Articles: Misc

HC's Rock Rewind — November 5 - 18

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Anne Erickson

Week of November 5th - 11th

One of America’s greatest bands staged their first-ever performance, Paul McCartney launched his “post-Beatles” group, and a legendary British heavy metal band announced their reunion. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1955 – The Everly Brothers record their first studio tracks, putting together four songs at Nashville’s Old Tulane Hotel studios.

1965 – The Rolling Stones’ “Get Off of My Cloud” tops the charts in the U.S., knocking The Beatles’ “Yesterday” from the Number One spot.

1967 – The first issue of Rolling Stone magazine is published. A photo of John Lennon is featured on the cover.

1968 – Led Zeppelin perform their first-ever London concert, staging a show at the famed venue The Roundhouse.

1968 – The Monkees’ cult classic film “Head” is released.

1968 – Diana Ross leaves the Supremes to launch her solo career.

1969 – Simon and Garfunkel record “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Future Bread member Larry Knechtel plays piano on the session.

1970 – Aerosmith stage their debut performance, playing at a high school in Mendon, Massachusetts.

1971 – Cher scores her first Number One single as a solo artist, with “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves.”

1971 – Paul McCartney launches his new band, Wings, with a party at London’s Empire Ballroom.

1973 – Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album tops the charts in America.

1975 – The Sex Pistols stage their first concert, opening for a band called Bazooka at St. Martin’s School of Art in London. The lead singer for Bazooka will later achieve fame as Adam Ant.

1975 – David Bowie appears on the American TV variety show, “Cher,” performing “Fame” and singing a medley of songs with the show’s host.

1977 – Rocker Suzi Quatro makes her debut appearance on the TV show “Happy Days.”

1986 – Boston’s “Amanda” becomes the band’s only American chart-topper.

1991 – Izzy Stradlin announces his departure from Guns N’ Roses. Gilby Clarke steps in as his replacement.

2008 – AC/DC begin a two-week run atop the U.S. album chart with Black Ice, their 15th studio album.

2011 – The original members of Black Sabbath announce they are reuniting for a new album and tour. Drummer Bill Ward eventually bows out of the projects, but both the album and the tour prove to be a great success.

Releases

1967 – The Moody Blues: Days of Future Passed

1967 – Cream: Disraeli Gears

1970 – Badfinger: No Dice

1971 – Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin IV

1971 – Genesis: Nursery Cryme

1972 – Lou Reed: Transformer

1973 – Billy Joel: Piano Man

1973 – Santana: Welcome

1974 – Thin Lizzy: Nightlife

1974 – Queen: Sheer Heart Attack

1975 – Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Zuma

1975 – Earth Wind & Fire: Gratitude

1976 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

1976 – Kiss: Rock and Roll Over

1978 – Bob Marley & The Wailers: Babylon by Bus

1978 – The Clash: Give ‘Em Enough Rope

1978 – Queen: Jazz

1980 -- Motörhead: Ace of Spades

1981 – The Cars: Shake it Up

1981 – Rod Stewart: Tonight I’m Yours

1981 – Ozzy Osbourne: Diary of a Madman

1981 -- Mötley Crüe: Too Fast for Love

1983 – Yes: 90125

1983 – The Rolling Stones: Undercover

1983 – Billy Idol: Rebel Yell

1984 – Robert Plant: The Honeydrippers: Volume One

1985 – Aerosmith: Done with Mirrors

1988 – R.E.M.: Green

1989 – Eric Clapton: Journeyman

1990 – Scorpions: Crazy World

1991 – Genesis: We Can’t Dance

1994 – Eagles: Hell Freezes Over (Live/Studio)

1995 – Aimee Man: I’m with Stupid

1995 – Queen: Made in Heaven

1995 – Alice in Chains: Alice in Chains

1996 – Vic Chesnutt: About to Choke

1997 – Led Zeppelin: BBC Sessions

1999 -- Faith Hill: Breathe

1999 -- Prince: Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic

2001 – Paul McCartney: Driving Rain

2002 – The Pretenders: Loose Screw

2002 – Pearl Jam: Riot Act

2008 – Taylor Swift: Fearless

2012 – Aerosmith: Music from Another Dimension!

Deaths

Billy Murcia (New York Dolls) – Nov. 6, 1972

Berry Oakley (The Allman Brothers Band) – Nov. 11, 1972

Epic Soundtracks – Nov. 6, 1997

Tommy Tedesco – Nov. 9, 1997

Tony Thompson (Power Station, Chic) – Nov. 12, 2003

Hank Thompson – Nov. 6, 2007

John Petersen (Beau Brummels) – Nov. 11, 2007

Mitch Mitchell – Nov. 12, 2008

Allen Toussaint – Nov. 10, 2015

Leonard Cohen – Nov. 7, 2016

Births

Mary Travers (Peter Paul and Mary) – Nov. 9, 1937

Guy Clark – Nov. 6, 1941

Tom Fogerty – Nov. 9, 1941

Johnny Rivers – Nov. 7, 1942

Joni Mitchell – Nov. 7, 1943

Phil May (The Pretty Things) – Nov. 9, 1944

Chris Dreja (The Yardbirds) – Nov. 11, 1945

Neil Young – Nov. 12, 1945

George Young (The Easybeats) – Nov. 6, 1946

Roy Wood – Nov. 8, 1946

Glen Buxton (Alice Cooper) – Nov. 10, 1947

Greg Lake – Nov. 10, 1947

Buck Dharma (Blue Oyster Cult) – Nov. 12, 1947

Glenn Frey – Nov. 6, 1948

Bonnie Raitt – Nov. 8, 1949

Jim Peterik – Nov. 11, 1950

Andy Partridge – Nov. 11, 1953

Rickie Lee Jones – Nov. 8, 1954

Tommy Thayer (Kiss) – Nov. 7, 1960

Cory Glover (Living Color) – Nov. 6, 1964

Paul Gilbert – Nov. 6, 1966

Susan Tedeschi – Nov. 9, 1970

Miranda Lambert – Nov. 10, 1983

Week of November 12th - 18th

Historically speaking, the third week in November has been marked by a trove of memorable rock events. One of rock’s most important bands made their U.S. television debut, a glam-rock icon staged his own episode of “The Midnight Special,” and Nirvana taped a historic concert. A spate of classic albums was released as well, including landmark records by The Velvet Underground, John Lennon, and U2. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1956 – “Love Me Tender,” the first feature film to star Elvis Presley, premieres at the Paramount Theater in New York.

1960 – Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind” tops the singles chart.

1965 – The Rolling Stones make their U.S. national TV debut, performing “Get Off of My Cloud” on NBC’s “Hullabaloo.”

1966 – Jefferson Airplane records “Somebody to Love.”

1966 – The Doors sign a seven-album deal with Electra Records.

1967 – Pink Floyd kick off their first U.K. tour, performing at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The band is part of a package tour that includes The Nice, The Move, and headliner Jimi Hendrix – among others.

1968 – The Beatles’ animated film “Yellow Submarine” makes its New York premiere.

1968 – Led Zeppelin stage their first-ever show, performing at Manchester College of Science & Technology in the U.K.

1970 – Santana release the single, “Black Magic Woman.”

1973 – David Bowie is the featured artist in a special edition of ABC’s “The Midnight Special.” The elaborately staged special is called “The 1980 Floor Show.”

1973 – The Who’s second rock opera, Quadrophenia, enters the U.K. album chart, eventually peaking at Number 2.

1974 – John Lennon’s “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” tops the U.S. singles chart.

1979 – The Guinness Book of World Records certifies that ABBA is the biggest-selling recording group in music history.

1983 – Michael Jackson’s 14-minute Thriller video makes its debut in a theater in Los Angeles. MTV will begin airing the film the following month.

1993 – Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore quits Deep Purple following a concert in Helsinki. It’s the second time Blackmore has left the band, and this time he does not return.

1993 – Nirvana tapes their MTV Unplugged concert in New York. The show is shot in a single day.

2000 – The Beatles’ launch their first official website. The launch coincides with the release of their compilation album, 1.

2004 – Gwen Stefani makes her television debut as a solo artist, singing at the annual American Music Awards.

2006 – Led Zeppelin is inducted into the U.K. Music Hall of Fame, with Queen’s Roger Taylor performing the honors.

2010 – Patti Smith wins the National Book Award for her acclaimed memoir, “Just Kids.”

Releases

1970 -- Syd Barrett: Barrett

1970 – The Velvet Underground: Loaded

1970 – Grand Funk Railroad: Live

1970 – Three Dog Night: Naturally

1971 – Leon Russell and Marc Benno: Asylum Choir II

1971 – The Byrds: Farther Along

1971 – Grand Funk Railroad: E Pluribus Funk

1971 – Faces: A Nod is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse

1972 – Raspberries: Fresh

1972 – America: Homecoming

1972 – The Moody Blues: Seventh Sojourn

1973 – John Lennon: Mind Games

1973 – Emerson Lake & Palmer: Brain Salad Surgery

1974 – Roxy Music: Country Life

1974 – Ringo Starr: Goodnight Vienna

1974 – Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

1975 – The Kinks: Schoolboys in Disgrace

1975 – Tommy Bolin: Teaser

1976 – George Harrison: Thirty Three & 1/3

1977 – Various Artists: Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Soundtrack

1979 – Frank Zappa: Joe’s Garage Acts II & III

1979 – Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Live Rust

1980 – John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Double Fantasy

1981 – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts: I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll

1982 – Led Zeppelin: Coda

1983 – Eurythmics: Touch

1983 – Ozzy Osbourne: Back at the Moon

1984 – Don Henley: Building the Perfect Beast

1985 – The Jesus and Mary Chain: Psychocandy

1988 – Cowboy Junkies: The Trinity Session

1990 – Tesla: Five Man Acoustical Jam

1991 – U2: Achtung Baby

1991 – Jeff Beck: Beckology

1993 – Heart: Desire Walks On

1995 – The Rolling Stones: Stripped (live)

1996 – Prince: Emancipation

1997 – Metallica: Reload

2000 – The Beatles: 1

2001 – Shelby Lynne: Love, Shelby

2002 – George Harrison: Brainwashed

2002 – Audioslave: Audioslave

2003 – The Beatles: Let it Be… Naked

2005 – Neil Diamond: 12 Songs

2008 – Sammy Hagar: Cosmic Universal Fashion

2012 – Soundgarden: King Animal

Births

Vic Chesnutt – Nov. 12, 1964

Booker T. Jones – Nov. 12, 1944

Laurence Juber – Nov. 12, 1952

Johnny Mercer – Nov. 18, 1909

Petula Clark – Nov. 15, 1932

Gordon Lightfoot – Nov. 17, 1938

Rick Kemp (Steeleye Span) – Nov. 15, 1941

John Hammond Jr. – Nov. 13, 1942

Gene Clark – Nov. 17, 1944

Frida Lyngstad (ABBA) – Nov. 15, 1945

Ray Wylie Hubbard – Nov. 13, 1946

Martin Barre – Nov. 17, 1946

Toy Caldwell – Nov. 13, 1947

Terry Reid – Nov. 13, 1949

Roger Steen (The Tubes) – Nov. 13, 1949

James Young (Styx) – Nov. 14, 1949

Graham Parker – Nov. 18, 1950

Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake) – Nov. 18, 1950

Stephen Bishop – Nov. 14, 1951

Kim Wilde – Nov. 18, 1960

Kirk Hammett – Nov. 18, 1962

Diana Krall – Nov. 16, 1964

Jeff Buckley – Nov. 17, 1966

Deaths

Danny Whitten (Crazy Horse) – Nov. 18, 1972

Ronnie Bond (The Troggs) – Nov. 13, 1992

R.J. Vealey (Atlanta Rhythm Section) – Nov. 13, 1999

Michael Stewart (We Five) – Nov. 13, 2002

Don Gibson – Nov. 16, 2003

Ruth Brown – Nov. 16, 2006

Mark “Moogy” Klingman (Utopia) – Nov. 15, 2011

Jimmy Ruffin – Nov. 16, 2014

Leon Russell – Nov. 13, 2016

Sharon Jones – Nov. 18, 2016

Roy Clark - Nov. 15, 2018

________________________________________________________________-

Anne Erickson holds years of bylines in Gannett Media publications, as well as music magazines Premier Guitar, Guitar Edge and more. She also hosts radio shows with iHeartRadio and has been syndicated in Seattle, Dayton, Central Coast California and beyond. Anne is a loyal Spartan and holds a Master’s degree from MSU. She resides in Lansing, Michigan.A

Dear Musician - So Thankful for Music

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:40:00 +0000

photo courtesy - Carhartt

In the United States we’re embarking on the week of Thanksgiving. It’s an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal that usually includes turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621 and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October.

What’s true is that in the world today, there’s plenty to complain about should we choose to focus on the negative. These past two weeks have seen mass shootings, one of which was at a club where patrons were enjoying music. That particular club is also where Guitar Center held lots of corporate “jams” in which employees would gather to make music together.

These past two weeks also have seen the massive wild fires, which have taken quite a toll on property and lives. Many musicians lost their homes and/or studios in Malibu, the likes of Charley Pollard, producer, engineer and composer, who lost his home but was able to save his studio. However, Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour lost both his home and recording studio and everything in both. Neil Young and many other musicians lost their homes. Instruments and studios can be rebuilt (and will be), but lives cannot be replaced. The one thing, other than life, that none of these people lost was their music.

With so much going on around us, it’s easy to forget to be thankful for the music that we sometimes take for granted.

Music is a gift.

So, when you’re gathered around a table with friends and family, please remember that music, especially for musicians, is a fabric of life with the strength of Kevlar. Use it to uplift. Use it to remember. Use it to celebrate life and death. But, most of all, please remember to be so thankful for music. -HC-

_________________________________________________________________

Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and Executive Director of Harmony Central. He has been heavily involved at the executive level in many aspects of the drum and percussion industry for over 25 years and has been a professional player since he was 16. His articles and product reviews have been featured in InTune Monthly, Gig Magazine, DRUM! and Modern Drummer Magazines.

Craig's List: Five Reasons Why the Vinyl Resurgence Continues

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:39:00 +0000

by Craig Anderton

Photo Credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

1 - Vinyl is a word that just plain sounds cool.

Don’t believe me? Then why do so many songs incorporate it—like Roxette (“God I know, it's final...decided to release my love on vinyl”), The Plain White T's (“Kiss me goodbye and I knew it was final, got in her daddy's car and she was gone like vinyl”), Public Enemy (“From a rebel, it's final on black vinyl”), Black Sheep (“Back in '86, first, foremost and final, rhyming on the corner, all I want to be's on vinyl”)? I mean, they could have chosen lyrics to rhyme with “spinal,” “rhinal,” or even “vaginal.” But they chose vinyl because obviously, it just plain sounds cool. I rest my case.

2 - Thankfully, cryogenics works!

Unfortunately, all the people who knew how to master for vinyl died years ago. But there's good news: some were preserved cryogenically, and they’ve since been revived to teach a whole new generation of engineers that no, you really don’t want out-of-phase bass in the left and right channels. Score one for science!

3 - The Recording Industry Association of America needs something to do.

Someone has to make sure the infamous RIAA curve stays nice and curvy so that all those phono preamps can go through insane amounts of EQ in an attempt to have vinyl not sound horrible. As Protectors of the Curve, the RIAA can branch out beyond their traditional role of making sure that the music industry remains behind the curve. The technology curve, that is.

4 - Ground post manufacturers have a powerful Washington lobby.

Remember those ground posts on turntables with the screw terminals where you could attach a ground wire to keep hum at bay? Have you ever seen ground posts on anything else? Of course not! So when vinyl records started their decline, the Ground Post Manufacturers Trade Association saw the handwriting on the wall, bought themselves a few senators...and the rest is history.

5 - Fear of a music industry recession.

Let’s face it, the band playing your local bar making $27.14 from the tip jar isn’t keeping the music industry going—it’s DJs getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to do big festivals and private parties held by giant multinational entities, like the Ground Post Manufacturers Trade Association. Take away the DJ’s vinyl? Not a good idea.

___________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind — October 22 - November 4

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Team HC

Week of October 22rd - 28th

The final week of October brings major musical milestones, from the Halloween-appropriate first-ever Ozzfest to the release of The Who's Quadrophenia. Read on for a collection of events, historic record releases and notable births and deaths happening October 22 through October 28.

Events

1962 - The Beatles give their first radio interview on Radio Clatterbridge near Liverpool.

1962 - The Rolling Stones recorded their first demo, featuring three covers by Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters and Jimmy Reed.

1963 - The Beatles head to Sweden on their first foreign tour.

1964 - The Rolling Stones make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show performing "Around and Around" and "Time is on My Side." Oh, and a riot breaks out.

1970 - Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin III reaches No. 1.

1976 - Led Zeppelin perform on American television for the first time when they rock Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

1996 - The first Ozzfest takes place as a two-day festival in Phoenix, Arizona, and Devore, California.

2001 - R.E.M. performs a surprise gig at Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, owned by guitarist Peter Buck and his wife, Stephanie Dorgan.

Releases

1966, The Kinks: Face to Face

1967, Ten Years After: Ten Years After

1969, Johnny Winter: Second Winter

1973, The Who: Quadrophenia

1977, Sex Pistols: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols

1978, Rush: Hemispheres

1979, Motörhead: Bomber

1982, Prince: 1999

1983, Bob Dylan: Infidels

1984, Deep Purple: Perfect Strangers

1985, ZZ Top: Afterburner

1995, Ozzy Osbourne: Ozzmosis

1995, The Smashing Pumpkins: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

1998, R.E.M.: Up

1999, Incubus: Make Yourself

2000, Linkin Park: Hybrid Theory

2001, Bush, Golden State

2007, Eagles: Long Road Out of Eden

2007, Exodus, The Atrocity Exhibition...Exhibit A

Deaths

Duane Allman - October 29, 1971

Steve Took (T Rex) - October 27, 1980

Tom Dowd (producer) - October 24, 2002

Lou Reed - October 27, 2013

Alvin Stardust - October 23, 2014

Jack Bruce - October 25, 2014

Al Jolson – Oct. 23, 1950

“Mother” Maybelle Carter – Oct. 23, 1978

Births

Bobby Fuller – Oct. 22, 1942

Leslie West – Oct. 22, 1945

Stiv Bators – Oct. 22, 1956

Shelby Lynne – Oct. 22, 1968

Dwight Yoakam – Oct. 23, 1956

Bill Wyman - October 24, 1936

Denny Laine (The Moody Blues) - October 29, 1944

Jerry Edmonton (Steppenwolf) - October 24, 1946

Peter Green - October 29, 1946

Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) - October 25, 1948

Garry Tallent (E Street Band) - October 27, 1949

Bootsy Collins (Parliament) - October 26, 1951

K. Downing (Judas Priest) - October 27, 1951

Desmond Child (songwriter) - October 28, 1953

"Weird Al" Yankovic - October 23, 1959

Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) - October 25, 1962

Robert Trujillo (Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies), October 23, 1964

Keith Urban - October 26, 1967

Scott Weiland - October 27, 1967

Ben Harper - October 28, 1969

Neil Fallon (Clutch) - October 25, 1971

Ben Gillies (Silverchair) - October 24, 1979

Week of October 29th - November 4th

It's the week of Halloween, but there's a lot to celebrate outside of the spooky holiday. From the release of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" to the birthdays of U2's Larry Mullen and Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis, the tail end of October through early November offers memorable moments in rock music history. Read on for some major events, historic record releases and notable births and deaths happening October 30 through November 5.

Events

1961 - Bob Dylan rocks Carnegie Chapter Hall in New York City for the first time.

1967 - The Stooges perform live for the first time at a Detroit, Michigan, Halloween bash.

1998 - The original members of Black Sabbath get back together for a special, one-off performance on Late Show with David Letterman.

1997 - Jane's Addiction get back together for a Halloween concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

1998 – Kiss sets off on their Psycho Circus tour with a Halloween gig in Los Angeles.

2005 - Black Sabbath is inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame by none other than Queen’s Brian May.

2016 - The Cubs are in the World Series for the first time since 1945, and Eddie Vedder - a major Cubs fan - leads the crowd in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch.

Releases

Led Zeppelin, Immigrant Song, 1970

Pink Floyd, Meddle, 1971

Hall & Oates, Abandoned Luncheonette, 1973

Ringo Starr, Ringo, 1973

Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, 1975

The Police, Outlandos d'Amour, 1978

George Harrison, Wonderwall Music, 1968

Bad Religion, No Control, 1989

Bon Jovi, Keep the Faith, 1992

Nirvana, MTV Unplugged in New York, 1994

The Beach Boys, The Pet Sounds Sessions, 1997

Beck, Mutations, 1998

John Lennon, John Lennon Anthology, 1998

U2, The Best of 1980–1990, 1998

Lenny Kravitz, Lenny, 2001

The Rolling Stones, Live Licks, 2004

The Eagles, Long Road Out of Eden, 2007

Births

Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane), October 30, 1946

Chris Slade, October 30, 1946

Gavin Rossdale, October 30, 1965

Tom Paxton, October 31, 1937

Larry Mullen (U2), October 31, 1961

Johnny Marr (The Smiths), October 31, 1963

Adam Horovitz (Beastie Boys), October 31, 1966

Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), October 31, 1967

Vanilla Ice, October 31, 1968

Linn Berggren (Ace of Base), October 31, 1970

Ronald Bell (Kool and the Gang), November 1, 1951

Lyle Lovett, November 1, 1957

Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), November 1, 1962

Rick Allen (Def Leppard), November 1, 1963

Alex James (Blur), November 1, 1968

Dave Pegg (Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention), November 2, 1947

Carter Beauford (The Dave Matthews Band), November 2, 1957

Bobby Dall (Poison), November 2, 1963

Reginald Arvizu (KoRn), November 2, 1969

Nick Simper (Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, Deep Purple), November 3, 1946

Adam Ant, November 3, 1954

Scherrie Payne (of The Supremes), November 4, 1944

Van Stephenson (Blackhawk) November 4, 1953

James Honeyman-Scott (The Pretenders) November 4, 1956

Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen band) November 4, 1965

Puff Daddy November 4, 1969

Gram Parsons (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers), November 5, 1946

Don McDougall (The Guess Who), November 5, 1948

David Moyse (Air Supply), November 5, 1957

David Bryson (Counting Crows), November 5, 1961

Mike Score (A Flock Of Seagulls), November 5, 1967

Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead), November 5, 1971

Ryan Adams, November 5, 1974

Kevin Jonas (The Jonas Brothers), November 5, 1987

Deaths

Steve O'Rourke (Pink Floyd manager), October 30, 2003

Bobby Parker, October 31, 2013

Mississippi John Hurt, November 2, 1966

Fred "Sonic" Smith (The Sonics, MC5), November 4, 1994

Johnny Horton, November 5, 1960

Bobby Nunn (The Coasters) November 5, 1986

Fred 'Sonic' Smith (MC5) November 5, 1994

Billy Guy (The Coasters) November 5, 2002

Bobby Hatfield (The Righteous Brothers) November 5, 2003

________________________________________________________________-

Dear Musician - They Don't Make Music like They Once Did

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 16:40:00 +0000

This scenario plays out all over the world every day: teenager listens to music and adult says, “They don’t make music like they once did.”

It probably happened to you, and you can probably relate.

I remember when it happened to me and I thought, “That’s crazy.” Could my parents be so out of touch that they preferred Chubby Checker to the Doobie Brothers? But that’s the music to which they related.

People can be funny about their music. Some stay very boxed into one genre, while others like music across the board. And tastes vary within genres. Some jazz listeners only listen to Miles Davis, while others like all jazz.

I believe this notion of music "not being like it once was" is because, for many, the music in their life time-line represents definitive lines of demarcation for specific events, times, places, or people. Some songs may represent a loved one lost. Some music may represent a loved one who has passed.

The truth is that it’s all the same chords, chord structure, phrasing, and dynamics. They are arranged differently. Even with today’s technology, the instruments we hear in music remain much the same as they were 50 and 60 years ago. Sure there are different technological advances that allow us to capture the music and re-broadcast, but the instruments and music theory remain the same.

Why did I choose this subject to write this Dear Musician about? Well, my 10-year-old daughter approached me this past week and asked me to tell her about Stevie Wonder. It reminded me that I’m not doing my job very well. I (try to) listen to her music on the Disney Radio and often think that “they don’t make music like the once did,” but I’ve tried to be careful not to vocalize that. And here she was...showing interest in “my” music.

I believe as musicians we relate better to humans when we try the “across all genres” approach to music appreciation. From Sinatra to 21 Pilots, we should be somewhat familiar with artists from days gone by, as well as those who are relevant today.

So, when you feel the urge as you grow older to say, “They don’t make music like they once did,” stop yourself and keep an open mind about all music.

In doing so, we’re better informed to inspire others to make better music. - HC -

PS: I'm off to explain the virtues of Stevie Wonder as I inspire my daughter!

_________________________________________________________________

Craig's List: Five Reasons to Love Operating System Updates

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 15:45:00 +0000

Yes, we’ve become dependent on our little pet brains called computers, and the operating system updates that keep them in tippy-top shape. What’s that? You don’t like those constant updates? Sad! There are tons of reasons to love operating system updates!

You’ll sharpen your search skills. Knowing how to work a search engine with the focus of an escort service at CES is a fundamental skill in today’s world—and operating system updates let you hone your skills. Who hasn’t searched on “does latest Mac OS work on my computer that’s more than a week old” and “how to re-install driver I forgot even existed after Windows update, assuming it’s still compatible maybe I hope”?

They add excitement to your life! Downloading an update and waiting nervously while some little beach ball goes spinning around like it mixed methedrine with the sun tan lotion is a lot like when you come home and find a package at your door. Is it that long-awaited horse head mask from Amazon, or a box of dog poop from your disgruntled and slightly unhinged ex? You’ll find out when the computer boots! Assuming it boots, of course.

They teach patience. When Windows says “just a moment,” does it mean a “moment” like going to the bathroom, or a “moment” like “now’s your chance to do dinner and movie, and maybe go bar crawling after that. Or take that Florida vacation you’ve always dreamed about.”

They increase your vocabulary. Seriously, how many of you knew what “deprecated” meant until you searched on “why does this update not include my favorite feature any more” and the search result tells you it’s been “deprecated” (Windows translation: it never really worked right anyway, no big deal). Or that something is “legacy,” which is a fancy high-tech word for “old crap” (Mac translation: Anything you haven’t bought in the last 90 days is “legacy”).

They keep software engineers employed. When authors write a book, at some point the book is done. When you record an album, eventually the album is finished. When a mechanic fixes car, the car runs and that’s the end of it. But software is the ideal gig...it’s never done! And in the process of doing more, you introduce new bugs that need to be fixed. Job security? Yeah, baby!

___________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind — October 8 - 21

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Team HC

Week of October 8th - 14th

The Beatles met one of their heroes for the first time, Rod Stewart said goodbye to a beloved band, and one of rock and roll’s pioneering founders performed his last show. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1902 – Orville Gibson founds the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Company, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1962 – Little Richard headlines a concert bill in England that includes The Beatles, affording the band the chance to meet one of their heroes for the first time.

1965 – The Beatle’s “Yesterday” begins a four-week run atop the U.S. singles chart.

1965 – The Who record “My Generation” at Pye studios in London.

1966 – Grace Slick makes her debut stage appearance with Jefferson Airplane.

1969 – The Jackson Five make their national television debut, appearing on the ABC show “Hollywood Palace.”

1969 – Muddy Waters suffers severe injuries in an auto accident outside Chicago. Henceforth, the blues legend will generally perform while seated.

1970 – The musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” makes its Broadway debut.

1971 – “Maggie May” becomes the first of six U.K. Number One hits for Rod Stewart.

1975 – Rod Stewart’s longtime affiliation with Faces ends, with the staging of a final concert in New York.

1979 – The mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley, declares October 10 “Fleetwood Mac Day.” The band is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1979 – ABBA perform their first concert in North America, staging a show in Vancouver, Canada.

1990 – Dave Grohl makes his on-stage debut as Nirvana’s drummer, appearing behind the kit at a show in Olympia, Washington.

1996 – At long last, the Rolling Stones release their legendary 1968 BBC television special, The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus.

1993 – Nirvana’s third studio album, In Utero, enters the U.S. album chart at Number One.

2000 – The first John Lennon museum opens. Located in Japan, it makes its debut on what would have been Lennon’s 60th birthday.

2012 – The Rolling Stones release a well-received new single titled “Doom and Gloom.”

2013 – Paul McCartney stages a surprise show for New Yorkers, performing a free (albeit brief) concert from the platform of a truck parked in Times Square.

2014 – Chuck Berry performs his final show, staging the last of his long-running monthly gigs at the Blueberry Hill club in St. Louis.

2016 – Rod Stewart is knighted at Buckingham Palace.

2016 – Bob Dylan is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first American to receive the distinction since Toni Morrison was similarly honored in 1993.

Releases

1966 – The Monkees: The Monkees

1969 – The Kinks: Arthur

1969 – King Crimson: In the Court of the Crimson King

1969 – Frank Zappa: Hot Rats

1970 – Pink Floyd: Atom Heart Mother

1972 – Santana: Caravanserai

1973 – Genesis: Selling England by the Pound

1973 – Neil Young: Time Fades Away

1974 – Billy Joel: Streetlife Serenade

1974 – Jethro Tull: War Child

1975 – Deep Purple: Come Taste the Band

1977 – Kiss: Alive II

1977 – David Bowie: “Heroes”

1978 – Toto: Toto

1979 – Fleetwood Mac: Tusk

1981 – U2: October

1981 – Prince: Controversy

1983 – Cyndi Lauper: She’s So Unusual

1984 – Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense

1984 – Julian Lennon: Valotte

1985 – INXS: Listen Like Thieves

1985 – Rush: Power Windows

1986 – Billy Idol: Whiplash Smile

1987 – Bruce Springsteen: Tunnel of Love

1987 – Joe Satriani: Surfing with the Alien

1988 – U2: Rattle and Hum

1989 – The Jesus and Mary Chain: Automatic

1993 – Letters to Cleo: Aurora Gory Alice

1994 – Suede: Dog Man Star

1994 – The Cult: The Cult

1995 – Peter Frampton: Frampton Comes Alive! II

1995 – Green Day: Insomniac

1996 – Counting Crows: Recovering the Satellites

1996 – Donovan: Sutras

1997 – Green Day: Nimrod

2000 – Slash’s Snakepit: Ain’t Life Grand

2001 – The Strokes: Is This It

Deaths

Gene Vincent – Oct. 12, 1971

Ed Sullivan – Oct. 12, 1974

Jacques Brel – Oct. 9, 1978

Ricky Wilson (B-52s) – Oct. 12, 1985

Leonard Bernstein – Oct. 14, 1990

John Denver – Oct. 12, 1997

Freddie Fender – Oct. 14, 2006

Dickie Peterson (Blue Cheer) – Oct. 12, 2009

Solomon Burke – Oct. 10, 2010

Births

Thelonious Monk – Oct. 10, 1917

Ennio Morricone – Oct. 10, 1928

Dottie West – Oct. 11, 1932

Sam Moore (Sam & Dave) – Oct. 12, 1935

John Lennon – Oct. 9, 1940

Cliff Richard – Oct. 14, 1940

Paul Simon – Oct. 12, 1941

John Entwistle – Oct. 9, 1944

Robert Lamm – Oct. 13, 1944

Alan Cartwright (Procol Harum) – Oct. 10, 1945

John Prine – Oct. 10, 1946

Daryl Hall – Oct. 11, 1946

Justin Hayward (Moody Blues) – Oct. 14, 1946

Sammy Hagar – Oct. 13, 1947

Jackson Browne – Oct. 9, 1948

David Lee Roth – Oct. 10, 1954

Tanya Tucker – Oct. 10, 1958

Thomas Dolby – Oct. 14, 1958

Bob Mould – Oct. 12, 1960

Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet) – Oct. 10, 1961

Polly Jean Harvey – Oct. 9, 1969

Sean Lennon – Oct. 9, 1975

Week of October 15th - 21st

Pop music’s most important band made their television debut, one of rock’s greatest heavy metal bands kicked off their third U.S. tour, and classic rock legends Santana made a spectacular comeback. A spate of classic albums was released as well, including landmark records by David Bowie, Bob Seger and the Rolling Stones. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1959 – Paul McCartney makes his debut appearance with The Quarrymen, performing alongside John Lennon and three other band members.

1960 – Roy Orbison scores his first U.K. Number One hit, with “Only the Lonely.”

1962 – The Beatles make their television debut, performing the songs “Some Other Guy” and “Love Me Do” live on a show titled “People and Places,” in Manchester, England.

1966 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience play their first major public show as a band, appearing at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France.

1969 – Peter Frampton meets singer Steve Marriott. The two begin plans for a new band, which emerges the following April as Humble Pie.

1969 – Led Zeppelin kicks off their third U.S. tour, performing at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

1969 – Rod Stewart joins The Faces.

1972 – Creedence Clearwater Revival disbands.

1976 – Keith Moon plays his last show with The Who, as the band completes a North American tour in Toronto. The drummer dies two years later in September of 1978.

1977 – The Led Zeppelin film “The Song Remains the Same” premieres in New York City and in London. The band attends the New York premiere.

1977 – In Greenville, S.C., Lynyrd Skynyrd play their last show prior to the plane crash in which three members of the band lost their lives in one of rock’s most devastating tragedies.

1978 – The Police make their U.S. debut, performing at CBGB’s in New York.

1986 – Footage of a tribute concert celebrating Chuck Berry’s 60th birthday is shot in St. Louis, for the 1987 documentary film “Hail! Hail! Rock ‘N’ Roll.” In addition to Berry himself, performers include Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Etta James, among others.

1991 – Red Hot Chili Peppers kick off their Blood Sugar Sex Majik tour. Up-and-comers Pearl Jam are one of the opening acts.

1999 – Santana’s Supernatural album tops the charts, giving the group their first Number One album in 28 years.

2001 – Concerts are staged at Madison Square Garden in New York and at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., to raise funds for victims of the 9/11 attacks. David Bowie, Paul McCartney, The Who and Eric Clapton are among the performers.

2006 – Legendary punk club CBGB closes after a 33-year run in New York City.

2008 – Guns N’ Roses release their first new material in nearly a decade, issuing the title track from the new album, Chinese Democracy. Singer Axl Rose is the sole original member of the band.

Releases

1964 – The Rolling Stones: 12 x 5

1964 – Simon & Garfunkel: Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

1964 – Dusty Springfield: Dusty

1968 – Three Dog Night: Three Dog Night

1968 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland

1969 – Led Zeppelin: II

1969 – John Lennon and Yoko Ono: Wedding Album

1970 – Bob Dylan: New Morning

1971 – The Doors: Other Voices

1973 – Bob Marley & The Wailers: Burnin’

1973 – America: Hat Trick

1973 – Peter Frampton: Frampton’s Camel

1973 – David Bowie: Pinups

1973 – Montrose: Montrose

1973 – The Wailers: Burnin’

1974 – KISS: Hotter Than Hell

1974 – Rolling Stones: It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll

1976 – Frank Zappa: Zoot Allures

1976 – Elton John: Blue Moves

1976 – Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same (live)

1976 – Bob Seger: Night Moves

1977 – Lynyrd Skynyrd: Street Survivors

1977 – Meat Loaf: Bat Out of Hell

1979 -- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Damn the Torpedoes

1979 – Prince: Prince

1980 – U2: Boy

1980 – Bruce Springsteen: The River

1980 – Cheap Trick: All Shook Up

1981 – The Human League: Dare

1981 – Eurythmics: In the Garden

1985 – The Cult: Love

1987 – INXS: Kick

1988 – Steve Earle: Copperhead Road

1988 – Sonic Youth: Daydream Nation

1989 – Nine Inch Nails: Pretty Hate Machine

1989 – Kiss: Hot in the Shade

1990 – Goo Goo Dolls: Hold Me Up

1990 – ZZ Top: Recycler

1990 – Paul Simon: The Rhythm of the Saints

1991 – Matthew Sweet: Girlfriend

1991 – Neil Young: Weld

1992 – Keith Richards: Main Offender

1993 – Pearl Jam: Vs.

1993 – Sarah McLachlan: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

1995 – Steely Dan: Alive in America

1998 – Black Sabbath: Reunion

1999 – Keith Urban: Keith Urban

2000 – Tony Iommi: Iommi

2001 – Ozzy Osbourne: Down to Earth

2002 – Foo Fighters: One By One

2002 – Santana: Shaman

2003 – Paul Westerberg: Come Feel Me Tremble

2011 – Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto

Births

Jelly Roll Morton – Oct. 20, 1890

Richard Carpenter – Oct. 15, 1946

Chuck Berry – Oct. 18, 1926

Nico – Oct. 16, 1938

Manfred Mann – Oct. 21, 1940

Jim Seals (Seals & Croft) – Oct. 17, 1941

Steve Cropper – Oct. 21, 1941

Elvin Bishop – Oct. 21, 1942

Bobby Fuller – Oct. 22, 1942

Peter Tosh – Oct. 19, 1944

Keith Reid (Procol Harum) – Oct. 19, 1946

Lux Interior (The Cramps) -- Oct. 21, 1946

Bob Weir – Oct. 16, 1947

Laura Nyro – Oct. 18, 1947

Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers) – Oct. 19, 1948

Gary Richrath (REO Speedwagon) – Oct. 18, 1949

Tom Petty – Oct. 20, 1950

Alan Greenwood (Foreigner) – Oct. 20, 1951

Keith Knudson (Doobie Brothers) – Oct. 18, 1952

Karl Wallinger (The Waterboys, World Party) – Oct. 19, 1957

Steve Lukather – Oct. 21, 1957

Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet) – Oct. 16, 1959

Bob Mould – Oct. 16, 1960

Norman Black (Teenage Fanclub) – Oct. 20, 1965

Ziggy Marley – Oct. 17, 1968

John Mayer – Oct. 16, 1977

Deaths

Cole Porter – Oct. 15, 1964

Leonard Chess – Oct. 16, 1969

Gene Krupa – Oct. 16, 1973

Ronnie Van Zant – Oct. 20, 1977

Steve Gaines – Oct. 20, 1977

Merle Travis – Oct. 20, 1983

Son House – Oct. 19, 1988

Don Cherry – Oct. 19, 1995

Shannon Hoon (Blind Melon) – Oct. 21, 1995

Glen Buxton (Alice Cooper) – Oct. 19, 1997

Derek Bell (The Chieftains) – Oct. 17, 2002

Elliott Smith – Oct. 21, 2003

Sandy West (Runaways) – Oct. 21, 2006

Levi Stubbs (Four Tops) – Oct. 17, 2008

Dee Dee Warwick – Oct. 18, 2008

________________________________________________________________-

Dear Musician - Music Modernization

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

On October 11th the President signed into law the Music Modernization Act. In a world where politics have gone haywire, it was relief to see this bill pass. It was born out of honest and sincere intentions from people who have a genuine desire to solve a long-standing problem that (in essence) robbed musicians and/or songwriters out of their rightful royalties from the work they did years ago. And, best we can tell, there are no nefarious schemes or underlying political ploys at play.

For years, the playing field between songwriters and publishers has never been level. Much of this has really come to light because many of the laws written regarding song licensing were written in a pre-digital-age era. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music (known as DSPs) didn’t exist when these laws were written, so the regulations were open to interpretation. One of the main achievements of the law, based on what we understand, is that it guarantees that writers of pre-1972 songs receive federal copyright protection, allowing them to earn payments from streaming services, some of which have regularly played those songs without paying royalties.

Ironically, both songwriters and publishers who never seem to agree on anything have supported the Music Modernization Act (MMA). This bill is serving as an olive branch to bridge efforts to get musicians and artists their rightful earnings.

The other fantastic part of this bill is that it moves to modernize into the 21st Century the process of licensing, tracking and paying royalties.

Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said in a statement, “As we celebrate the harmony and unity that got us here, we applaud the efforts of the thousands of performers, songwriters, and studio professionals who rallied for historic change to ensure all music creators are compensated fairly when their work is used by digital and satellite music services.”

Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) who, co-sponsored the bill, said, “Our music licensing laws (have been) convoluted, out of date, and don’t reward songwriters fairly for their work. They’ve also failed to keep up with recent, rapid changes in how Americans purchase and listen to music.” The goal, he further says, is “to make it easier for music creators to make a living.”

Making it easier to make a living making better music? It’s about time! -HC-

Join our forum discussion on Music Modernization here

_________________________________________________________________

Harmony Central's Rock Rewind - September 24 - October 7

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Team HC

Week of September 24th - 30th

To say the week of September 24 - 30th is a big one for rock history is an understatement. From the release of one of the most championed rock albums of all times (The Beatles’ Abbey Road) to the tragic death of John Bonham, this week is packed with significant events. Read on for a collection of major milestones, historic record releases and notable births and deaths.

Events

1964 – The Beach Boys rocked “The Ed Sullivan Show” for the first time. The guys performed “I Get Around.”

1970 – The legendary Jimi Hendrix is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Seattle. He died on Sept. 18, 1970.

1980 - Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham suddenly dies at age 32 of asphyxiation from vomiting after an evening of drinking.

1984 – Prince unleashed his hit song “Purple Rain.”

1990 - Dave Grohl, former drummer of Scream, becomes a member of Nirvana.

1997 – Bob Dylan performs "Knocking on Heaven's Door" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" for Pope John Paul II during a concert and mass in Bologna, Italy.

1998 – MTV Russia aired for the first time.

2008 - MySpace Music is officially launched following an agreement with EMI, the last major label that wasn't on board.

Releases

The Beatles, Abbey Road, 1969

John Lennon, Walls and Bridges, 1974

Rush, All the World’s A Stage, 1976

Styx, Crystal Ball, 1976

Prince, Diamonds and Pearls, 1991

Prince, The Gold Experience, 1995

Nirvana, From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah, 1996

Bob Dylan, Time Out of Mind, 1997

The Verve, Urban Hymns, 1997

The Rolling Stones, Forty Licks, 2002

Shine On, Jet, 2006

Bad Religion, The Dissent of Man, 2010

Thom Yorke (of Radiohead), Tomorrow's Modern Boxes, 2014

Deaths

John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), September 25, 1980

Mark Loomis (The Chocolate Watchband), September 26, 2014

Jimmy McCulloch (Paul McCartney’s Wings), September 27, 1979

Cliff Burton (Metallica), September 27, 1986

James Dean, September 30, 1955

Births

George Gershwin, September 26, 1898

Joe Bauer (The Youngbloods), September 26, 1941

Olivia Newton-John, September 26, 1948

Craig Chaquico (Jefferson Airplane), September 26, 1954

Randy Bachman (The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive), September 27, 1944

Meat Loaf, September 27, 1947

Stephan Jenkins (Third Eye Blind), September 27, 1966

Ed Sullivan, September 28, 1902

Ben E. King, September 28, 1938

Nick St. Nicholas (Steppenwolf), September 28, 1943

George Lynch (Dokken), September 28, 1955

Jerry Lee Lewis, September 29, 1935

Mark Farner (Grand Funk), September 29, 1948

Les Claypool, September 29, 1963

Brad Smith (Blind Melon), September 29, 1968

Johnny Mathis, September 30, 1935

Dewey Martin (Buffalo Springfield), September 30, 1940

Marc Bolan (T. Rex), September 30, 1947

Robby Takac (The Goo Goo Dolls), September 30, 1964

Week of October 1st - 7th

Happy October, rockers. The first week in October packs a major punch when it comes to musical milestones, from the release of Led Zeppelin III to the tragic death of Janis Joplin.

Events

1962 - "Love Me Do," the debut single from the Beatles, was released in the UK.

1967 - The Beatles start recording "Hello Goodbye."

1968 - The Beatles' Abbey Road album reached number one on the UK charts.

1978 - Gene Simmons has something to celebrate, as his self-titled solo album is certified Platinum.

1985 - Bruce Springsteen closes out his Born in the USA tour with the final of four shows at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.

1995 - (What's the Story?) Morning Glory is unleashed and thrusts Oasis into the worldwide spotlight.

2003 - For a third the third year in a row, Radiohead snags the "best act in the world today" award at the Q Awards in London.

Releases

1963 - The Beach Boys, Little Deuce Coupe

1968 - Muddy Waters, Electric Mud

1970 - Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin III

1973 - Elton John, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

1975 - The Who, The Who By Numbers

1977 - ELO, Out of the Blue

1978 - Dire Straits, Dire Straits

1979 - The Who, Quadrophenia (soundtrack)

1980 - The Police, Zenyatta Mondatta

1981 - The Police, Ghost in the Machine

1982 - Accept, Restless and Wild

1983 - Genesis, Genesis

1986 - Slayer, Reign in Blood

1988 - Keith Richards, Talk Is Cheap

1992 - R.E.M., Automatic for the People

1992 - Soul Asylum, Grave Dancers Union

1994 - The Cranberries, No Need to Argue

1995 - Oasis, (What's the Story?) Morning Glory

1997 - Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Trouble Is...

1999 - Live, The Distance to Here

2000 - Green Day, Warning

2002 - Bon Jovi, Bounce

2006 - The Killers, Sam's Town

Births

Julie Andrews, October 1, 1935

Jerry Martini (Sly and the Family Stone), October 1, 1943

Donny Hathaway, October 1, 1945

Michael "Cub" Koda (Brownsville Station), October 1, 1948

Kevin Griffin (Better than Ezra), October 1, 1968

Eddie Cochran - October 3, 1938

Chubby Checker - October 3, 1941

Steve Miller - October 5, 1943

Don McLean - October 2, 1945

Brian Connolly (Sweet) - October 5, 1945

Brian Johnson - October 5, 1947

Lindsey Buckingham - October 3, 1949

Eddie Clarke (Motörhead) - October 5, 1950

Mike Rutherford (Genesis) - October 2, 1950

Bob Geldof - October 5, 1951

String - October 2, 1951

Tico Torres (Bon Jovi) - October 7, 1953

Stevie Ray Vaughan - October 3, 1954

Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) - October 6, 1954

Freddie Jackson - October 2, 1956

David Bryson (Counting Crows) - October 5, 1961

Tommy Lee - October 3, 1962

Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) - October 6, 1966

Thom Yorke (Radiohead) - October 7, 1968

Gwen Stefani - October 3, 1969

Tiffany - October 2, 1971

William Butler (Arcade Fire) - October 6, 1982

Deaths

Al Jackson Jr. (Booker T. & the MG’s), October 1, 1975

Bruce Palmer (Buffalo Springfield), October 1, 2004

Johnny Kidd - October 7, 1966

Janis Joplin - October 4, 1970

Woody Guthrie - October 3, 1967

Gene Autry dies - October 2, 1998

Benjamin Orr (The Cars) - October 3, 2000

Eddie Kendricks (The Temptations) - October 5, 1992

Mike Gibbins (Badfinger) - October 4, 2005

Tom Petty - October 2, 2017

Geoff Emerick - October 2, 2018

________________________________________________________________-

Dear Musician - Celebrate the Music Industry Comeback

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

After years of gloom and doom as physical media sales declined, the music industry is on the upswing. Digital music revenues have exceeded physical sales, subscription revenue is up, vinyl is still maintaining its niche market, and there are more outlets than ever—Spotify, YouTube, cdbaby, and more—to sell and promote your music. Yes, there are still some bumps in the road; for example, distributing payments to artists and songwriters still needs work to make sense in the 21st century. And we could use more live music venues!

But the patient is no longer in the intensive care unit and is on the mend. The signs are there for all to see.

Not that long ago, our Make Better Music newsletter dispatched to around 29,000 people. The latest issue went to over 127,000 people, all of whom opted in (and are responsible for a higher-than-average open rate). And, Harmony Central’s demographic base is trending younger and is attracting more female readers.
MIDI is being rejuvenated for the new century with a variety of new proposals, some of which have already been implemented (like MIDI Polyphonic Expression). What’s more, The MIDI Association—a global community of the people who work, play, and create with MIDI—has had astronomical growth since its start a little less than three years ago.
Despite sensationalist articles about the death of the guitar, electric guitar sales since 2015 have been increasing, while acoustic guitar sales are growing substantially, and ukulele sales continue to skyrocket.
By now, forums were supposed to be dead. But after a freefall in forum participation, the numbers are on the rise. Although maybe it’s just that people are getting tired of Facebook, it seems the opportunity to have wide-ranging, thoughtful discussions is something people missed—and they’re coming back.
Senior Contributor Harmony Central-ite Craig Anderton, who has always had an uncanny knack for seeing the future, is spending most of his time writing the “Musician’s Guide to Home Recording” series of print and eBooks for Hal Leonard. He believes computer-based recording has reached a tipping point, making it more accessible than ever to a wide variety of musicians.
The Winter NAMM show—which is just around the corner—continues to rack up huge attendance numbers, Sweetwater’s GearFest had over 15,000 attendees last summer (and perhaps even more tellingly, sold 15% more music gear than last year), the 45 Ultra-branded music festivals in 20 countries drew over 1 million people, and SXSW (as well as other festivals) are ramping up attendance.

To quote A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Granted, when you look at the news, it may seem like the worst of times. But when it comes to music, at Harmony Central we believe we’re heading toward the best of times. And to do your part, all you need to do is...Make Better Music! As for Team HC, we're off to have cake. After all, who doesn't like a comeback...or cake! -HC-

_________________________________________________________________

Dear Musician - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Embrace Change

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I was recently speaking with a group of guitarists about the instrument itself. We were having a friendly chat about the shape of guitar necks and the makeup of the instrument. This led us to the subject of CITES and the use of rosewood. All I can say is that guitarists take this subject very seriously.

That discussion further lead Team HC into a conversation about our entire industry and the need to embrace the earth friendly philosophy of reduce, reuse, and recycle. But to do this, you need to be able to embrace change!

Change is difficult but sometimes necessary. Imagine what musicians thought when manufacturers changed ivory piano keys to a synthetic ivory, or when cat gut guitar strings were changed to nylon. How about when drummers found calf skin heads being replaced with all-weather-friendly plastic? How about when rosewood xylophone bars were replaced with synthetic counterparts?

All of these things must have really seemed major at the time, but over time these changes have become the new normal. Today, however, we are faced with dwindling resources to produce instruments in mass quantities, and manufacturers are being challenged to discover new materials that are either an approved renewable resource or are an acceptable alternative synthetic product.

Lacquered products will be phased out and replaced with waterborne urethanes. Endangered hardwoods will have to be replaced with an alternative renewable resource.

Some manufacturers will resort to building instruments out of a recycled resource. Prisma Guitars, for example, makes guitars out of recycled old skate boards, and they're pretty cool. This is a great example of a manufacturer's taking a product that might otherwise find itself in a landfill and producing a great music-making instrument from it.

In a previous Dear Musician, I discussed Cool Change as it relates to the season. Just as fitting as the change of season, musicians will need to dig deep into their souls and determine if they “really” can tell a difference in the material being used to produce their guitars or if they are falling prey to perception deception versus reality.

Our planet has grown in population to the point that we are consuming faster than the planet can replace. So a change is gonna come. -HC-

_________________________________________________________________

Dear Musician - Take A Music Chill Pill

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:35:00 +0000

In recent months and weeks—heck, even days—it’s hard to get onto any social platform and not be bombarded by political banter that’s downright brutal. Speak your mind and you’re likely to be torn to shreds. From shoe companies to football to government itself, we're being buried with negativity. Even if you say you're in favor of cute little kittens, someone will tell you kittens carry diseases, taxpayers have to support animal pounds to compensate for irresponsible owners, and that you're a stupid moron for thinking that cats are better than dogs—even if you didn't say cats are better than dogs.

It’s too bad that people behind a computer keyboard can’t behave like people behind a synthesizer keyboard. Musicians, for the most part, get along—at least on stage.

A wise person once said, “If you want to get along with others, avoid conversations that revolve around sports, religion, and politics." It can’t be said that music’s been free from politics. Look at the lyrics of Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Architects, Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, Muncie Girls, or Bob Dylan. We were reminded of how politically powerful a song can be during Aretha Franklin’s memorials. And that’s the great thing about a song: it can have an underlying political message or tone without beating you over the head with it.

It's great that music can express any kind of emotion, from depression to elation...from hate to love...from political disgust to spiritual bliss. But music itself is just the container for our emotions. How are we going to fill that container?

To the 125,000 plus Make Better Music subscribers, we humbly suggest that you have the power to create music that can take you away from the stress of the “political hate” of today. You have the freedom to pick up your instrument and change your day or, even better, the day of other people as well. Maybe it's time to take a music chill pill and let music give you the freedom to find peace—and maybe even help others find peace as well. -HC-

_________________________________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind — August 27 - September 9

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Team HC

These past two weeks involve some of the most memorable milestones to ever hit music. From the birth of pop great Michael Jackson to the Beatles playing their final official public show, the end of August and beginning of September offer many cornerstone musical moments. Read on for some major events, historic record releases and notable births and deaths happening August 29 through September 4th. Rock it!

Week of August 27th - September 2nd

Events

1942 - Frank Sinatra began his career as a solo singer.

1958 - George Harrison became part of the group Quarrymen. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were also in the band.

1964 - The Animals performed for the first time in the U.S. in Brooklyn, New York, at the Paramount Theater.

1966 - The Beatles played their fourth American tour at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. It ended up being their final proper public concert.

1974 – The final episode of "The Partridge Family" television show aired.

1977 - Blondie inked their first major record company contract with Chrysalis.

1979 - INXS performed for the first time in Sydney, Australia.

1983 - The movie "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" opened in U.S. theaters. David Bowie starred in the film.

1986 – What was once the "American Bandstand" studio was positioned on the National Register of Historic Places.

1991 - Dottie West was in a car accident while on her way to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. She passed away five days later.

1993 - Billy Joel was the debut musical guest on CBS-TV's "The Late Show with David Letterman" when the show started.

1995 - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum ribbon cutting ceremony took place in Cleveland, Ohio.

Births

Sterling Morrison (The Velvet Underground), August 29, 1942

Dick Halligan (Blood, Sweat & Tears), August 29, 1943

Rick Downey (Blue Oyster Cult), August 29, 1953

Michael Jackson, August 29, 1958

Kyle Cook (Matchbox Twenty), August 29, 1975

David Desrosiers (Simple Plan), August 29, 1980

“Papa” John Phillips (The Mamas & The Papas), August 30, 1935

Micky Moody (Whitesnake), August 30, 1950

Van Morrison, August 31, 1945

Guitarist Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions), August 31, 1948

Gina Schock (The Go-Go's), August 31, 1957

Jeff Russo (of Tonic), August 31, 1969

Debbie Gibson, August 31, 1970

Greg Errico (Sly and the Family Stone), September 1, 1946

Barry Gibb (The Bee Gees), September 1, 1946

Gloria Estefan, September 1, 1957

Rosalind Ashford (Martha and the Vandellas), September 2, 1943

Billy Preston, September 2, 1946

Mik Kaminski (Electric Light Orchestra), September 2, 1951

Fritz McIntyre (Simply Red), September 2, 1956

Steve Porcaro (Toto), September 2, 1957

Deaths

Thomas "Papa Dee" Allen (War), August 30 1988

Sterling Morrison (The Velvet Underground), August 30, 1995

Jerry Reed, September 1, 2008

Releases

Roy Orbison, Oh, Pretty Woman, 1964

Bob Dylan, Highway 61 Revisited, 1965

The Byrds, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, 1968

The Rolling Stones, Get Yer Ya Ya's Out, 1970

The Rolling Stones, Goat's Head Soup, 1974

Styx, Pieces of Eight, 1978

George Strait, Strait Country, 1981

Michael Jackson, Bad, 1987

Alabama, I'm in a Hurry (and Don't Know Why), 1992

Oasis, Definitely Maybe, 1994

Week of September 3rd - 9th

This week we celebrate the birth of two music icons - Buddy Holly and Freddie Mercury. It was also during this week in 1970 that Jimi Hendrix played his last show. In 1991 Nirvana released "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and completely turned the rock scene upside down. Read on for more exciting events from the rock history vault!

Events

1956 - Elvis Presley appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. The King played "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" and "Ready Teddy."

1968 - The members of Led Zeppelin played their first show as a band, although at this time they went under the name The New Yardbirds. The gig took place at a club in a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark.

1970 - Jimi Hendrix played his last concert. It took place at the Open Air Love & Peace Festival in Fehmarn, Germany on September 6, twelve days before his death on September 18 in London.

1976 - Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington hit an oak tree with his Ford Torino, suffering severe injuries. The accident went on to inspire the lyrics to the Skynyrd classic "That Smell."

1997 - As a marketing tool to promote the reissue of Led Zeppelin's back catalogue, "Whole Lotta Love" was released as a single - their first ever in the UK.

1998 - Aerosmith had their first (and so far only) US number one hit single with "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." The song, which was written by Diane Warren, was the lead song on the soundtrack to the film Armageddon.

Releases

1964 - Manfred Mann: The Five Faces of Manfred Mann

1971 - Poco: From the Inside

1971 - John Lennon: Imagine

1973 - Frank Zappa: Over-Nite Sensation

1973 - Bruce Springsteen: The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle

1974 - Judas Priest: Rocka Rolla

1975 - Kiss: Alive! (live album)

1976 - Electric Light Orchestra: A New World Record

1979 - Siouxsie and the Banshees: Join Hands

1982 - Rush: Signals

1984 - Queensryche: The Warning

1987 - Pink Floyd: A Momentary Lapse of Reason

1989 - Soundgarden: Louder Than Love

1990 - Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Ragged Glory

1990 - Warrant: Cherry Pie

1991 - Nirvana: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (single)

1992 - Ugly Kid Joe: America's Least Wanted

1995 - Blur: The Great Escape

1996 - R.E.M.: New Adventures in Hi-Fi

1998 - Hole: Celebrity Skin

2000 - Ryan Adams: Heartbreaker

2001 - P.O.D.: Satellite

2003 - John Mayer: Heavier Things

2004 - The Black Keys: Rubber Factory

2005 - The Rolling Stones: A Bigger Bang

2006 - Audioslave: Revelations

2010 - Stone Sour: Audio Secrecy

2012 - Chris Robinson Brotherhood: The Magic Door

2014 - U2: Songs of Innocence

2015 - Hollywood Vampires: Hollywood Vampires

Deaths

Alan Wilson (Canned Heat), September 3, 1970

Major Lance, September 3, 1994

Keith Moon - September 7, 1978

Peter Tosh (The Wailers) - September 11, 1987

Tom Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival) - September 6, 1990

Nicky Hopkins (session musician) - September 6, 1994

Warren Zevon - September 7, 2003

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown - September 10, 2005

Robert Young (Primal Scream) - September 9, 2014

Births

Freddie King, September 3, 1934

Al Jardine (The Beach Boys), September 3, 1942

George Biondo (Steppenwolf), September 3, 1945

Eric Bell (Thin Lizzy), September 3, 1947

Donald Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad), September 3, 1948

Steve Jones (The Sex Pistols), September 3, 1955

Perry Bamonte (The Cure), September 3, 1960

Gene Parsons (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers), September 4, 1944

Martin Chambers (The Pretenders), September 4, 1952

Kim Thayil (Soundgarden), September 4, 1960

Beyoncé Knowles, September 4, 1982

Jimmy Reed - September 6, 1925

Patsy Cline - September 8, 1932

Buddy Holly - September 7, 1936

Otis Redding - September 9, 1941

Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night) - September 10, 1942

Roger Waters - September 6, 1943

Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead) - September 11, 1943

Ron McKernan (The Grateful Dead) - September 8, 1945

Buddy Miles - September 5, 1946

Freddie Mercury - September 5, 1946

Benjamin Orr (The Cars) - September 8, 1947

Joe Perry - September 10, 1950

Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) - September 7, 1951

Dave Stewart - September 9, 1952

Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) - September 7, 1954

LeRoi Moore (Dave Matthews Band) - September 7, 1961

Brad Wilk (Rage Against The Machine) - September 5, 1968

Delores O'Riordan (The Cranberries) - September 6, 1971

Richard Ashcroft (The Verve) - September 11, 1971

Jonny Buckland (Coldplay) - September 11, 1977

Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance) - September 10, 1980

Matthew Followill (Kings of Leon) - September 10, 1984

________________________________________________________________-

Dear Musician: Music Over Matter

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:11:00 +0000

Term: Mind over matter

Interpretation: The use of willpower to overcome physical challenges

Let’s face it – if you’re reading this, you most likely love to make better music. Even the most seasoned players, however, can face times when they don’t feel like making music or you allow small adversities to stand in the way of their making music. It happens to all of us, and, for some, it can be the habitual excuse not to sit down and play. You know, “I need to clean my sock drawer” syndrome.

Being a drummer, I’m most familiar with Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, who lost his left arm in a horrific car crash in 1984. Rick was determined that the loss of that arm would not sideline him from the drum throne. To a drummer, it’s quite an inspiring story.

I was reminded once again of Rick’s story when I recently saw a BBC story about Keith Xander, who was born with only half a right arm. He had every reason not to play guitar. He could certainly have chosen to feel sorry for himself and let the lack of his arm stand in the way of making music, especially when most perceive the instrument to require two arms and two hands.

He sought out a music teacher who, instead of discouraging his desire to play, taught him how to use his hook as a plectrum. And, for him, it became a game of perseverance.

And persevere he did! He’s a fantastic player. The 4-minute video tells the entire story, and you’ll be glad you watched it.

So, when you think you’re having a day that isn't going well enough to practice or to learn a new song or just to sit down and play, think of these words from Keith: “It’s just quite simple: It’s about not giving up. It’s got nothing to do with whether you have one, two or three arms; it’s to do with your attitude toward yourself and the world around you, and whether you’re limited in the beliefs of others in yourself. If I can do it…you can do it!” You might say Keith and Rick used music over matter to make their love for music a reality.

And with that, we hope you’re inspired to make better music. -HC-

video courtesy BBC

_________________________________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind - July 30 - August 12

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Team HC

Week of July 30st -August 5th

The first week of August has some major musical milestones, including the release of Def Leppard's mammoth Hysteria and the birthday of Metallica's James Hetfield and Foo Fighters' Pat Smear. Below find some major events, historic record releases and notable births and deaths happening July 30 through August 5.

Events

1962 - Robert Zimmerman legally makes his name Bob Dylan.

1963 - The Beatles performs at the Cavern Club in Liverpool for the final time.

1979 - Led Zeppelin plays the U.K. for the last time.

1980 - The Eagles perform a show in Long Beach, California, that is their last show as a band for fourteen years.

1980 - Def Leppard opens for AC/DC in New York City, and it's the band's first U.S. live show.

1987 - Guns N' Roses being filming their video for “Welcome to the Jungle” in

Hollywood, California.

1991 - Pearl Jam performs RKCNDY in Seattle and films the show for the music video for “Alive.”

1995 - Jamaica issues a commemorative series of postage stamps paying tribute to Bob Marley.

1996 - MTV starts MTV2.

2010 - Megadeth main man Dave Mustaine unleashes his autobiography, Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir.

Releases

1966 – The Beatles: Revolver

1972 – The Eagles: Witchy Woman

1983 – Alabama: Lady Down on Love

1987 – Def Leppard: Hysteria

1989 – George Clinton: The Cinderella Theory

1995 – Megadeth: Hidden Treasures

1995 – Elliott Smith: Elliott Smith

1996 – The Black Crowes: Three Snakes and One Charm

1996 – Fiona Apple: Tidal

1999 – Robyn Hitchcock: Jewels for Sophia

2003 – Prince: N.E.W.S.

2003 – Cheap Trick: Special One

2006 – Black Stone Cherry: Black Stone Cherry

Deaths

John Locke (Nazareth, Spirit), August 4, 2006

Luther Perkins (a member of Johnny Cash's backing band), August 5, 1968

Jeff Porcaro (drummer for Toto), August 5, 1992

Photo credit: Anne Erickson photography

Births

Bill Berry (R.E.M.) - July 31, 1958

Fatboy Slim, July 31, 1963

Will Champion (Coldplay) - July 31, 1978

Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) - July 31, 1981

Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead), August 1, 1942

Boz Burrell (Bad Company), August 1, 1946

Tommy Bolin (Deep Purple, the James Gang), August 1, 1951

Joe Elliot (Def Leppard), August 1, 1959

Garth Hudson (The Band), August 2, 1937

Pete De Freitas (Echo And The Bunnymen), August 2, 1961

Tony Bennett, August 3, 1926

John Graham (Earth, Wind & Fire), August 3, 1951

Ed Roland (Collective Soul), August 3, 1963

James Hetfield (Metallica), August 3, 1963

Louis Armstrong, August 4, 1901

Robbin Crosby (Ratt), August 4, 1959

Greg Leskiw (The Guess Who), August 5, 1947

Pat Smear (Foo Fighters), August 5, 1959

Adam Yauch (MCA of the Beastie Boys), August 5, 1964

Week of August 6th - 12th

Historically speaking, this week in rock music has been marked by an abundance of memorable events. A classic Beatles film premiered in New York, a legendary hard-rock quartet rehearsed together for the first time, and Queen performed what turned out to be a historic show. A spate of classic albums was released as well, including landmark records by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, and Metallica. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1952 – The original version of “Hound Dog” is recorded by Big Mama Thornton.

1957 – The Quarrymen stage their debut performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. New member Paul McCartney misses the show, however, as he’s away at Boy Scout camp.

1964 – The Animals’ version of “House of the Rising Sun” is released.

1964 – The Beatles “A Hard Day’s Night” film premieres in New York City.

1965 – Herman’s Hermit’s “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” knocks “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” off the top of the U.S. singles chart.

1968 – Cream’s Wheels of Fire tops the album charts.

1968 – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham practice together for the first time, rehearsing at a studio in London’s West End.

1969 – Photographer Iain MacMillan shoots the cover for The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.

1970 – Christine McVie appears onstage as a member of Fleetwood Mac for the first time, as the band performs in New Orleans.

1973 – The Edgar Winter Group release “Free Ride.”

1974 – Bad Company release “Can’t Get Enough.”

1979 – Led Zeppelin perform their final show in the U.K.

1980 – John Lennon begins recording the Double Fantasy album.

1980 – AC/DC score their first Number One album in the U.K., with the Back in Black LP.

1986 – Queen stage what turns out to be their final live show with Freddie Mercury, staging a show at the Knebworth Park Festival in England.

1993 – A reunited Steely Dan kick off a tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

1995 – The original members of Kiss perform together for the first time since 1980, as they reunite for an “MTV Unplugged” special.

2005 – The Rolling Stones launch their “A Bigger Bang” tour in Toronto. The tour lasts for more than two years.

2008 – The Police finish their reunion tour, performing a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The tour was their first since 1986.

Releases

1966 – The Beatles: Revolver

1968 – Big Brother and the Holding Company: Cheap Thrills

1970 – The Moody Blues: A Question of Balance

1970 – Iron Butterfly: Metamorphosis

1973 – Rod Stewart: Sing It Again Rod (Compilation)

1973 – Lynyrd Skynyrd: (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)

1974 – Leonard Cohen: New Skin for the Old Ceremony

1978 – Roberta Flack: Roberta Flack

1978 – Chic: C'est Chic

1979 – Michael Jackson: Off the Wall

1979 – Chicago: Chicago 13

1981 – The Go-Go's: Beauty and the Beat

1981 – Def Leppard: High 'n' Dry

1982 – Don Henley: I Can't Stand Still

1982 – The Go-Go's: Vacation

1983 – Black Sabbath: Born Again

1983 – Billy Joel: An Innocent Man

1984 – Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Red Hot Chili Peppers

1985 – Neil Young: Old Ways

1985 – Sheila E.: Romance 1600

1986 – Ratt: Dancing Undercover

1986 – Motörhead: Orgasmatron

1990 – Extreme: Pornograffiti

1990 – Pixies: Bossanova

1991 – Metallica: Metallica

1992 – Damn Yankees: Don't Tread

1992 – Jacky: Jackyl

1993 – Billy Joel: River of Dreams

1994 – Lynyrd Skynyrd: Endangered Species

1995 – Luna: Penthouse

1996 – The Cardigans: First Band on the Moon

1998 – Liz Phair: whitechocolatespaceegg

1999 – Lynyrd Skynyrd: Edge of Forever

2000 – Coldplay: Parachutes (U.K. release)

2000 – Mötley Crüe: New Tattoo

2000 – Everclear: Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile

2002 – James Taylor: October Road

2002 – Def Leppard: X

Deaths

Rick James, August 6, 2004

Carlo Little (The Rolling Stones' original drummer), August 6, 2005

John Cage – August 11, 1992

Jerry Garcia – August 9, 1995

Luther Allison – August 12, 1997

Isaac Hayes – August 10, 2008

Les Paul – August 12, 2009

Richie Hayward – August 12, 2010

Jani Lane (Warrant) – August 11, 2011

“Cowboy” Jack Clement – August 8, 2013

Births

Andy Warhol, August 6, 1928

Jimmy Witherspoon – August 8, 1923

Porter Wagoner – August 12, 1927

Jimmy Dean – August 10, 1928

Buck Owens – August 12, 1929

Mel Tillis – August 8, 1932

Joe Tex – August 8, 1933

Bobby Hatfield (Righteous Brothers) – August 9, 1940

B.J. Thomas – August 7, 1942

Ronnie Spector – August 9, 1943

Kenny Gamble – August 11, 1943

Jim Kale – August 11, 1943

Benjamin Orr (The Cars) – August 8, 1947

Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) – August 9, 1947

Eric Carmen – August 11, 1949

Mark Knopfler – August 12, 1949

Rodney Crowell – August 7, 1950

Erik Braunn (Iron Butterfly) – August 11, 1950

August Darnell (aka Kid Creole) – August 12, 1950

Ron Mael (Sparks) – August 12, 1950

Andy Fraser (Free) – August 7, 1952

Joe Jackson – August 11, 1954

Pat Metheny – August 12, 1954

Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) – August 7, 1958

Rikki Rockett (Poison) – August 8, 1959

Aimee Mann – August 8, 1960

David Evans (aka The Edge) – August 8, 1961

Whitney Houston – Auguest 9, 1963

Kristin Hersh – August 7, 1966

Charlie Sexton – August 11, 1968

________________________________________________________________-

______________________________________________________

HC's Rock Review is sponsored by Gibson

Surviving Your Next Jam Session

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

by Ian R.

Just the idea of going to a jam session can be a scary thing. You might imagine yourself messing up and being laughed at, or getting up on stage only to forget everything you’ve learned.

The truth of the matter is that everybody there is nervous - it’s not just you. All the stuff you’ve ever learned and practiced was to prepare you to play with other musicians.

It really is the ultimate prize.

It’s also where the real learning takes place. Learning things like scales and chords is great, but the real-time interaction with other musicians is where you’ll learn to put all your skills together and truly become one with your instrument.

Let’s take a look at some tips for how to survive your next jam session!

Come Prepared

Make sure to bring all your essential gear. You can’t count on the venue having everything for you and there is nothing worse than showing up and not being able to play because you don’t have a guitar cable.

You’ll want to make sure you bring along a tuner, guitar cable, picks, a guitar strap, your guitar, and a small backup amp to keep in your car if you have one.

You might be tempted to try and borrow somebody else's guitar but there a very good chance it will feel completely different from what you’re used to and that might throw off your playing.

Know Some Standards

Whatever genre of music the jam session is centered around, some popular songs in that style will probably make an appearance. In fact, lots of jam sessions ONLY play well-known songs so if you show up not knowing any you’re probably not going to have the best time.

If you are going to a jazz session it’s a good idea to to know some classics like Autumn Leaves and All The Things You Are, and if you are going to a funk session you’ll want to know songs like Chameleon and The Chicken.

Aim to have a good grasp of around 6-10 popular songs in the genre.

If you play bass, it’s also worth knowing some commonly seen blues walking bass lines and sequences.

If you are unsure of what songs to start practicing, go to one of the sessions just to watch and write down all the songs that come up. You can also ask the house band what songs they recommend that you be familiar with.

Practice Getting Back On Track

To best prepare yourself it’s good to practice jamming to tunes you don’t know. Throw on a backing track for a tune you’ve never played before and try reading a chord chart to stay on track as best you can.

When you inevitably get lost, try picking back up wherever you can without restarting the music.

When in a jam session you won’t have the luxury of starting the song over. You’ll have to go with the flow if you mess up or get lost, so the more you can prepare for that the better.

Learn To Read Chord Charts

Perhaps the easiest way to quickly learn how to keep up with a new song is to jot down a chord chart. Before you even learn how to read music, learning how to read chord charts is a must.

It’s very common to see chord charts at jam sessions so that everybody can make sure they are on the same page. Make sure you are familiar with the basic structure of written music and what things like repeat symbols are.

In addition to being great for jam sessions, chord charts are an excellent introduction to reading music. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to learn a song with a full tab, but having access to a chord chart will still allow you to learn a big chunk of the song with little effort.

Know Some Stock Intros And Outros

Getting in and out of songs is a great skill to have if you are playing with others. In each genre of music there are some very common phrases that are used to both start a song and end it, and you’ll see it appear on almost every album in that style of music.

In blues you’ll usually hear the last couple bars of a progression being played during the intro and outro of a song. The main difference is that the the intro will end on a V chord letting your ears know that there is more to follow, whereas the outro will commonly end on the home (I) chord.

Being aware of this and some other common intros/outros will make sure you are ready should it pop up during the jam.

Go ahead and google something like “common blues intros” to start with and get practicing!

Listen To And Watch Each Other

The more you play with others the easier it can be to anticipate what the other musicians are going to do next just by using your ears. Unfortunately this just comes with time and experience.

When playing with others for the first time, the best thing you can do is keep your eyes open for any cues. If you have your head buried in your instrument there’s a good chance you’ll miss any cues the others might have when it comes time to switch things up or for you to take a solo.

Try to find the person who takes the lead role the most and is the most communicative and keep your eyes locked on them for any hints as to what’s to come next.

Keep Your Solos Short

Consideration for others can go a long way in making sure you are welcome back to another jam session. Nobody likes the person who goes on a 5 minute solo while others stand idle waiting for their time to jump on stage.

A short solo will keep everybody interested, engaged, and will make sure that things don’t drag on for too long.

A great practice routine is to use a looper pedal to lay down a simple backing groove and try linking together a few phrases to create a short solo. Focus on being able to “wrap it up” and end the solo in a way that will easily cue others in.

Keep Going To Jam Sessions

This one is important. The more you can get yourself out there and exposed to playing with other musicians, the faster you will grow yourself and the more you’ll enjoy your instrument.

Most of your nerves will be gone after your first session, so going to the second should be much easier and you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect. You can show up more prepared and confident which will show in your playing.

You’ll also make some great friends along the way who share a common interest, and you’ll have connections with people who you can potentially start a band with on the side. -HC-

_______________________________________________

Ian R. is the founder of BassGuitarGuide, a blog for bass players featuring buyer’s guides, how-to articles, gear reviews, and much more. Ian has been a bassist for over 20 years and wanted to make it easier for bassists to find the right gear for the job and solve everyday problems they face.

Dear Musician - Music's Universal

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 15:12:00 +0000

I was recently speaking with a Harmony Central community member who has just completed a 14-year run with his band but is now moving on. He’s decided to form a Chicago tribute band. This caused me to wonder about Chicago tribute bands and how many might exist out in the cosmos. While searching online, I discovered the number one return was a band that completely blew me away.

Some say their tribute to Chicago is even better than the original. Certainly that might start a great debate, but it's the truth—they’re amazing.

Here’s the catch: they’ve never seen Chicago in person. They barely speak English at all. They’re in Russia. And, if I didn't tell you, you’d never know it (unless you check the names when the credits run).

They’ve recreated every subtlety and nuance but have done so with great skill while keeping the feeling and integrity of the music. So after watching dozens of their videos, I thought – well, they’re in the studio—anything can be corrected in the studio. However, I watched videos of them playing live, and they were crushing it.

In the bio on their website, author Scott Schwebke interviews the band leader, Leonid Vorobyev, and he says, “Chicago has never been in Russia and none of us have attended their concerts…we have only audio records and videos (to help us learn Chicago songs).” No charts or scores of the songs existed (in Russia), so Vorobyev transcribed the tunes by ear. They’ve only been playing together since 2014, and their cover videos have gone viral on YouTube (see below).

The band is called Leonid and Friends. What’s important to note about there being a Chicago band, is that because Chicago spanned such a wide time-line, there are bands that do “early” Chicago and do it well. Then there are other bands that do “later” (Cetera) era Chicago. Leonid and Friends do both well. Watching their videos opened the door for me to fall in love with Chicago all over again and gain a greater respect for the music and lyrics.

You may ask, "What’s the big deal?" They are from Russia and fell in love with Chicago’s music to the point that they were passionate enough to pay tribute to it. They didn’t let a language barrier get in their way. It’s proof positive that music is truly universal. After all, where else can you experience Chicago in Russia? -HC-

Join the discussion at Harmony Central

Website: http://www.leonidandf.com

YouTube Videos:

25 or 5 to 4

Question 67 and 68

Hard to Say I’m Sorry/Get Away

_________________________________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind - July 16 - 29

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Team HC

Week of July 16th -22nd

Historically speaking, this week in rock music has been marked by an abundance of memorable events. Elvis Presley made his first-ever studio recordings, Santana celebrated a milestone, and a former Beatle kicked off his debut solo tour. A spate of classic albums was released as well, including landmark records by Rod Stewart, Talking Heads, and Guns N’ Roses. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1953 – Elvis Presley drops into Memphis Recording Service—later renamed Sun Studios—and pays $3.98 to make his first-ever recordings. He records two songs: “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” as a gift for his mother.

1954 – The Newport Jazz Festival makes its debut at the Newport Casino in Rhode Island.

1955 – Chuck Berry’s debut single, “Maybellene,” is released on Chess Records.

1963 – The first U.S. Beatles album, titled Introducing the Beatles, is pressed up by Vee-Jay Records. The album receives its official release in January of 1964.

1968 – Cream’s Wheels of Fire hits #1 on the U.S. album chart.

1968 – The Beatles’ animated film, Yellow Submarine, makes its premiere in London. In the film, the band members are voiced by professional actors.

1974 – Joey Ramone becomes the lead singer for the Ramones.

1975 – Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Listen to What the Man Said” reaches #1 on the U.S. singles chart.

1975 – Bob Marley and the Wailers’ performance at the Lyceum Theatre in London is recorded using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. Later that year, the performance is released as an official album—titled simply Live!

1976 – Classic rock icons Deep Purple split up at the end of a U.K tour. Eight years will pass before the band gets back together.

1978 – Def Leppard make their live debut, performing before an audience of 150 at a school in Sheffield, England.

1981 – “Roy Orbison Day” is declared in Odessa, Texas.

1986 – Santana mark their 20th anniversary with a comprehensive reunion, with all current and former members coming together to stage a concert in San Francisco.

1987 – Keith Richards signs a contract with Virgin Records as a solo artist.

1989 – Ringo Starr kicks off his first tour since The Beatles ceased touring in 1966. He and the first incarnation of his All-Starr Band perform in Dallas, Texas.

1991 – The Lollapalooza Music Festival is staged for the first time. Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, and Living Color are among the many participating bands who perform in select locations in North America.

2012 – Surviving Who members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey announce they’re reviving the band’s 1973 rock opera, Quadrophenia, for a tour.

Releases

1964 – The Beatles: Something New

1965 – The Lovin’ Spoonful: Do You Believe in Magic?

1966 – John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers: Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton

1969 – The Doors: The Soft Parade

1971 – Black Sabbath: Master of Reality

1971 – The Moody Blues: Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

1971 – Deep Purple: Fireball

1972 – Rod Stewart: Never a Dull Moment

1972 – T. Rex: The Slider

1972 – Jefferson Airplane: Long John Silver

1973 – Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin: Love Devotion Surrender

1973 – Mott the Hoople: Mott

1977 – Elvis Costello: My Aim is True

1978 – Talking Heads: More Songs about Buildings and Food

1980 – Joy Division: Closer

1981 – ZZ Top: El Loco

1984 – Stryper: The Yellow and Black Attack

1987 – Guns N’ Roses: Appetite for Destruction

1990 – Mother Love Bone: Apple

1991 – Squeeze: Play

1992 – Sonic Youth: Dirty

1995 – Megadeth: Hidden Treasures

1995 – Elliott Smith: Elliott Smith

1996 – The Black Crowes: Three Snakes and One Charm

1996 – Fiona Apple: Tidal

1999 – Robyn Hitchcock: Jewels for Sophia

2003 – Prince: N.E.W.S.

2003 – Cheap Trick: Special One

2006 – Black Stone Cherry: Black Stone Cherry

Deaths

Danny Cedrone (Bill Haley & His Comets) – July 17, 1954

Billie Holiday – July 17, 1959

Bobby Fuller – July 18, 1966

John Coltrane – July 17, 1967

Lefty Frizzell – July 19, 1975

Nico – July 18, 1988

Chas Chandler – July 17, 1996

Gus Dudgeon – July 21, 2002

Long John Baldry – July 21, 2005

Gordon Waller (Peter and Gordon) – July 17, 2009

Amy Winehouse – July 23, 2011

Births

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – July 18, 1929

Ian Stewart (Rolling Stones) – July 18, 1938

Spencer Davis – July 17, 1939

Dion DiMucci – July 18, 1939

George Clinton – July 22, 1940

Lonnie Mack – July 18, 1941

Martha Reeves – July 18, 1941

John Lodge (Moody Blues) – July 20, 1943

Danny McCulloch (The Animals) – July 18, 1945

Henry McCullough – July 21, 1943

Tony Joe White – July 23, 1943

Alan Gorrie (Average White Band) – July 19, 1946

Andy Mackay (Roxy Music) – July 23, 1946

Bernie Leadon (Eagles) – July 19, 1947

Brian May – July 19, 1947

Carlos Santana – July 20, 1947

Don Henley – July 22, 1947

David Essex – July 23, 1947

Ron Asheton (The Stooges) – July 17, 1948

Geezer Butler – July 17, 1949

Wally Bryson (The Raspberries) – July 18, 1949

Nicolette Larson – July 17, 1952

Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – July 19, 1952

Ricky Skaggs – July 18, 1954

Terry Chambers (XTC) – July 18, 1955

Howie Epstein (Tom Petty & Heartbreakers) – July 21, 1955

Paul Cook (Sex Pistols) – July 20, 1956

Keith Levene (The Clash, PIL) – July 18, 1957

Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) – July 22, 1963

Chris Cornell – July 20, 1964

Slash – July 23, 1965

Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) – July 20, 1966

Alison Krauss – July 23, 1971

Rufus Wainwright – July 22, 1973

Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother) – July 20, 1976

Week of July 23th - 29th

A trove of memorable events occurred during this week in rock history. Bob Dylan suffered an accident that sent him into seclusion, Mick Jagger made his acting debut, and one of rock’s greatest power trio’s staged their debut performance. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1957 – Jerry Lee Lewis appears on national TV for the first time, performing “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” on the NBC program The Steve Allen Show.

1964 – Marvin Gaye records “How Sweet it is To Be Loved By You,” a track penned by the prolific Motown songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland.

1965 – The Beach Boys record “California Girls.”

1965 – The Beatles second movie, Help!, premieres at the Pavilion Theatre in London.

1966 – The Monkees record “Last Train to Clarksville,” a track written by the songwriting team of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart.

1966 – Bob Dylan is injured in a motorcycle accident. A period of virtual seclusion ensues for roughly nine months following the accident.

1966 – Cream make their concert debut, staging a performance in Manchester, England.

1966 – The Troggs’ version of “Wild Thing” tops the U.S. singles chart.

1968 – The Jackson 5 sign a one-year contract with Motown.

1970 – Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” appears on the US singles chart.

1972 – Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)” tops the U.S. singles chart. The ballad will hold go on to hold that spot for six non-consecutive weeks.

1970 – Mick Jagger makes his acting debut in the film Ned Kelly.

1973 – Grand Funk Railroad release “We’re an American Band.”

1974 – Lynyrd Skynyrd release “Sweet Home Alabama.”

1976 – Three Dog Night perform their final concert, staging a show in San Francisco. An attempted 1981 reunion proves to be short-lived.

1980 – Eric Carr makes his debut as new drummer for Kiss.

2006 – The first guitar owned by Paul McCartney is sold at auction for approximately $500,000.

2010 – John Fogerty performs his classic hit “Centerfield” at the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony. He also donates a guitar shaped like a baseball bat to the Hall.

2015 – The Eagles play the final date of their “History of the Eagles” tour. Sadly, Glenn Frey passes away just six months later.

Releases

1966 – The Troggs: From Nowhere

1967 – The Yardbirds: Little Games

1968 – The Moody Blues: In Search of the Lost Chord

1968 – Cream: Wheels of Fire

1968 – Deep Purple: Shades of Deep Purple

1969 – Yes: Yes

1969 – Leslie West: Mountain

1970 – Yes: Time and a Word

1970 – Creedence Clearwater Revival: Cosmo’s Factory

1970 – James Gang: James Gang Rides Again

1972 – Mott the Hoople: All The Young Dudes

1972 – Argent: All Together Now

1972 – Captain Beyond: Captain Beyond

1972 – Van Morrison: Saint Dominic’s Preview

1972 – Curtis Mayfield: Super Fly

1972 – Foghat: Foghat

1972 – Johnny Nash: I Can See Clearly Now

1973 – New York Dolls: New York Dolls

1973 – ZZ Top: Tres Hombres

1973 – Lou Reed: Berlin

1973 – Steely Dan: Countdown to Ecstasy

1974 – Eric Clapton: 461 Ocean Boulevard

1974 – James Gang: Miami

1974 – Sly & the Family Stone: Small Talk

1975 – Black Sabbath: Sabotage

1975 – Poco: Head Over Heels

1976 – Pure Prairie League: Dance

1976 – Graham Parker and the Rumour: Howlin’ Wind

1976 – Al Stewart: Year of the Cat

1979 – AC/DC: Highway to Hell

1979 – Rainbow: Down to Earth

1980 – AC/DC: Back in Black

1981 – Debbie Harry: KooKoo

1981 – Stevie Nicks: Bella Donna

1983 – Metallica: Kill ‘Em All

1984 – Metallica: Ride the Lightning

1986 – R.E.M: Lifes Rich Pageant

1987 – 10,000 Maniacs: In My Tribe

1989 – Alice Cooper: Trash

1991 – Widespread Panic: Widespread Panic

1992 – Morrissey: Your Arsenal

1993 – Smashing Pumpkins: Siamese Dream

1993 -- Steve Vai: Sex & Religion

1996 – Sublime: Sublime

1997 – Teenage Fanclub: Songs from Northern Britain

1999 – Bree Sharp: A Cheap and Evil Girl

1999 – The Verve Pipe: The Verve Pipe

2002 – Linkin Park: Reanimation

2002 – Bruce Springsteen: The Rising

2006 – Tom Petty: Highway Companion

2008 – Alice Cooper: Along Came a Spider

2009 – George Thorogood & the Destroyers: The Dirty Dozen

Deaths

Cass Elliot – July 29, 1974

Big Mama Thornton – July 25, 1984

Mary Wells – July 26, 1992

Eddie Guzman (Rare Earth) – July 29, 1993

Charlie Rich – July 25, 1995

Eddie Hinton – July 28, 1995

Tal Farlow – July 25, 1998

Jerome Smith (K.C. and the Sunshine Band) – July 28, 2000

Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – July 27, 2001

John Entwistle – July 27, 2002

Erik Braunn (Iron Butterfly) – July 25, 2003

Dan Peek (America) – July 24, 2011

J.J. Cale – July 26, 2013

Births

Manuel Charlton (Nazareth) – July 25, 1941

Darlene Love – July 26, 1941

Dobie Gray – July 26, 1942

Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) – July 25, 1943

Mick Jagger – July 26, 1943

Mike Bloomfield – July 28, 1943

Bobbie Gentry – July 27, 1944

Rick Wright – July 28, 1945

Jose Chepito Areas (Santana) – July 25, 1946

Jonathan Edwards – July 28, 1946

Steve Goodman – July 25, 1948

Gerald Casale (Devo) – July 28, 1948

Roger Taylor (Queen) – July 26, 1949

Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company) – July 28, 1949

Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire) – July 25, 1951

Geddy Lee – July 29, 1953

Steve Morse – July 28, 1954

Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) – July 25, 1958

John Sykes (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy) – July 29, 1959

Karl Mueller (Soul Asylum) – July 27, 1962

Juliana Hatfield – July 27, 1967

Pete Yorn – July 27, 1974

______________________________________________________

HC's Rock Review is sponsored by Gibson

Dear Musician - Does Your Music Need Schooling?

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:03:00 +0000

Believe it or not, this coming week will usher in the start of a new school year. When I was a student, our schools never began until after Labor Day.

Forty-five years ago...still fresh in my mind...it was the day I had to convince my father that I wanted to be a drummer instead of a trumpet player. Perhaps he knew how expensive being a drummer could become. After all, a trumpet player can live with “just a trumpet.” (Hey, at least he was open to my being a musician!)

Once I was triumphant in my argument, I remember lugging a 40-pound snare drum onto the school bus on our country road every day—all the time telling myself that at least I wasn’t a tuba player.

It’s probable that many of you have similar stories, whether you started playing in the 4th grade through your public school music program or whether you joined a group of local peers and formed a garage band. Perhaps your parents even enrolled you in private lessons.

What I do remember very well about my school music program was the endless need for fundraisers for instruments, instrument repair, uniforms, and competition trips. Contrast that with the fact that I never remember the football team having fundraisers for the new uniforms they wore—EACH WEEK! If you have a child in the school band, you know what I’m referring to, and if you don’t … you will. Supporting the arts at your school is a huge way to show support for the arts in general and to teach children the importance of making music.

Funding was difficult during my generation, but it’s only grown ever-increasingly more difficult. The truth is, with every new administration in Washington, D.C., we’ve faced the possibility of the end of funding for music and arts in public schools. While that's never been passed into law, what it has done is attrite the support of music at the local funding level to historic lows. Our own Phil O'Keefe visited this subject in his "Can We - Or Even Should We- Modernize Music Education" article.

Studies have shown that the students who participate in music have better academic scores in everything from math to social sciences. What’s also true is that students (whether in school bands or garage bands) have better team-building skills, as music places musicians in a position that forces them to interact closely with other people.

Harmony Central’s mission is to inspire people to make better music. An important way you can help us carry this torch is to support our youth with their desires to learn music. If you play, perhaps your story will inspire a child to pick up an instrument and start his or her musical journey. You may just be providing them a joy that will last a lifetime. And on that note, I’m off to take my daughter to her weekly ukulele lesson!

_________________________________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind — July 2 - 15

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Anne Erickson

Week of July 2nd - 8th

The first week of July brings a bevy of important music events, from the births of Ringo Starr and Jack White to the release of albums from Queen and Styx. Read on for some major events, historic record releases and notable births and deaths happening July 2 – 8.

Events

1956 - Johnny Cash plays the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville for the first time.

1968 - The Yardbirds play their final show in Luton, England. Jimmy Page goes on to form Led Zeppelin.

1962 - Jimi Hendrix is honorably discharged from the U.S. Army following breaking his ankle during a parachute jump.

1969 - The band Mountain forms in Long Island.

1969 - The Beatles begin recording their famed song “Here Comes the Sun.”

1972 - David Bowie introduced himself to the world as Ziggy Stardust at a “Save The Whales” benefit show in London.

1980 - Led Zeppelin plays their concert in West Berlin.

1981 - Bruce Springsteen performs the first of six sold-out gigs at the Byrne Arena in New Jersey.

1982 - Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Arden get married on July 4th.

1995 - The Grateful Dead perform their final concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Releases

Ray Charles, Ray Charles, 1957

Hootie & the Blowfish, Cracked Rear View, 1994

Queen, Keep Yourself Alive, 1973

Sonny and Cher, I Got You Babe, 1965

Styx, The Grand Illusion, 1977

Dream Theater, Images and Words, 1992

Prince, Chaos and Disorder, 1996

Deaths

Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones), July 3, 1969

Louis Armstrong, July 6, 1971

Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd), July 7, 2006

Nico (The Velvet Underground), July 8, 1988

Births

Paul Williams (The Temptations), July 2, 1939

John Colla (Huey Louis & the News), July 2, 1952

Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), July 3, 1957

Ray Davies (The Kinks), July 4, 1945

Chris Britton (The Troggs), July 4, 1945

Joey Molland (Badfinger), July 4, 1947

Joey Kramer (Aerosmith), July 4, 1950

Mike Einziger (Incubus), July 4, 1976

Brandon Flowers (The Killers), July 4, 1981

Robbie Robertson (The Band), July 5, 1943

Huey Lewis, born Hugh Anthony Cregg III, July 5, 1950

Michael Monarch (Steppenwolf), July 5, 1950

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (Wu-Tang Clan), July 5, 1969

Jason Wade (Lifehouse), July 5, 1980

Dave Rowberry (The Animals), July 6, 1940

Mike Shrieve (Santana), July 6, 1949

Ringo Starr (The Beatles), born Richard Starkey, July 7, 1940

Mark White (Spin Doctors), July 7, 1962

Jai Johanny Johanson (The Allman Brothers Band), July 8, 1944

Andy Fletcher (Depeche Mode), July 8, 1961

Joan Osborne, July 8, 1963

Beck, July 8, 1970

Bon Scott (AC/DC), July 9, 1946

John "Mitch" Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience), July 9, 1947

Jim Kerr (Simple Minds), July 9, 1959

Courtney Love (Hole), July 9, 1964

Jack White (The White Stripes), July 9, 1975

Week of July 9th - 15th

During this week in rock history, one of rock and roll’s most influential bands signed their first recording contract, a Rolling Stones classic topped the singles charts, and members of The Monkees reunited for the first time in nearly two decades. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1962 – The Rolling Stones make their live debut, performing at London’s legendary Marquee Club.

1962 – The Beach Boys sign their first recording contract, inking a deal with Capitol Records.

1964 – The Beatles film, A Hard Day’s Night, premiers in Liverpool. More than 200,000 fans turn out to celebrate.

1965 – The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” begins a four-week run at Number One on the U.S. singles charts. The song goes on to become the biggest hit of the year.

1967 – The Who begin their first large-scale U.S. tour, performing as opening act for Herman’s Hermits.

1967 – Arlo Guthrie takes the stage of the Newport Folk Festival and delivers the debut performance of “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree.”

1968 – Eric Clapton announces the breakup of Cream, while the band is in the midst of its final tour.

1969 – Funeral services are held for Rolling Stones co-founder Brian Jones.

1969 – David Bowie’s single, “Space Oddity,” is rush-released to coincide with the first moon landing, which takes place nine days later.

1969 – Blind Faith perform their first show in the U.S., a sellout at Madison Square Garden.

1970 – The soundtrack album for the film, Woodstock, tops the charts.

1972 – Smokey Robinson performs his final show as a member of The Miracles.

1974 – David Bowie plays the first of five shows that will be used in the making of his David Live album. All the shows were staged at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia.

1978 – The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls album tops the U.S. charts.

1980 – Bob Marley and the Wailers begin what will ultimately be Marley’s final U.K. tour.

1985 – The Live Aid benefit concerts are staged in Philadelphia and London. The array of performers include Paul McCartney, David Bowie, The Who, Elton John, and Queen, among many others.

1989 – The Monkees are honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. All four members of the band reunite for the ceremony.

1996 – A Guinness World Record for the largest-ever jam session is set when more than 2,000 guitarists perform a cover of “Heartbreak Hotel” for 75 minutes. Chet Atkins and Skunk Baxter are among the participants

2007 – Rod Stewart is awarded the CBE Order of the British Empire in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

2014 – Johnny Winter plays his last show, staging a performance at the Lovely Days Festival in Wiesen, Austria.

2016 – Joe Perry suffers a cardiac event onstage during a performance with members of The Hollywood Vampires. Perry is rushed to the hospital -- fortunately he makes a full recovery.

Releases

1970 – Supertramp: Supertramp

1971 – Funkadelic: Maggot Brain

1972 – Chicago: Chicago V

1972 – Harry Nilsson: Son of Schmilsson

1973 – Queen: Queen

1973 – Bob Dylan: Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (soundtrack)

1973 – Grand Funk Railroad: We’re an American Band

1974 – Neil Young: On the Beach

1975 – Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac

1979 – The Kinks: Low Budget

1981 – Def Leppard: High ‘n’ Dry

1983 – Robert Plant: The Principle of Moments

1983 – Big Country: The Crossing

1986 – Bob Dylan: Knocked Out Loaded

1988 – UB40: UB40

1988 – Brian Wilson: Brian Wilson

1990 – Iggy Pop: Brick by Brick

1990 – Poison: Flesh and Blood

1992 – Frank Zappa: You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 5

1993 – Matthew Sweet: Altered Beast

1994 – The Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge

1994 – Alice Cooper: The Last Temptation

1997 – Sarah McLachlan: Surfacing

2000 – Motley Crue: New Tattoo

2001 -- Blackmore's Night: Fires at Midnight

2002 – Robert Plant: Dreamland

2002 – The Flaming Lips: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

2005 – Tony Iommi: Fused

2009 – The Dead Weather: Horehound

Deaths

Clarence White (The Byrds) – July 14, 1973

Minnie Riperton – July 12, 1979

Chris Wood (Traffic) – July 12, 1983

Arthur Kane (New York Dolls) – July 13, 2004

Rob Grill (The Grass Roots) – July 11, 2011

Jerry Ragovoy – July 13, 2011

Tommy Ramone – July 11, 2014

Births

Woody Guthrie – July 14, 1912

Lowman “Pete” Pauling (The 5 Royales) – July 14, 1926

Mavis Staples – July 10, 1939

Ronnie James Dio – July 10, 1942

Roger McGuinn – July 13, 1942

Stephen Bladd (J. Geils Band) – July 13, 1942

Jerry Miller (Moby Grape) – July 10, 1943

Christine McVie – July 12, 1943

Linda Ronstadt – July 15, 1946

Arlo Guthrie – July 10, 1947

Roky Erickson – July 15, 1947

Peter Banks (Yes, Flash) – July 15, 1947

Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – July 15, 1948

Dave Smalley (The Raspberries) – July 10, 1949

Greg Kihn – July 10, 1949

Eric Carr (Kiss) – July 12, 1950

Philip Taylor Kramer (Iron Butterfly) – July 12, 1952

Bob Casale (Devo) – July 14, 1952

Johnny Thunders – July 15, 1952

Stewart Copeland – July 16, 1952

Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) – July 10, 1954

Ian Curtis (Joy Division) – July 15, 1956

Marky Ramone – July 15, 1956

Joe Satriani – July 15, 1956

Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) – July 11, 1957

Sandy West (The Runaways) – July 10, 1959

Richie Sambora – July 11, 1959

Suzanne Vega – July 11, 1959

Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum) – July 12, 1962

Tonya Donelly (Belly) – July 14, 1966

Jason Bonham – July 15, 1966

John Petrucci (Dream Theater) – July 12, 1967

-HC-

________________________________________________________________-

The Social Musician

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Despite a crumbling record label industry and plummeting album sales (and royalties), there has likely never been a better time to be a musician; gear is affordable, the infrastructure to support live music is mature (some will say past mature and well into the territory of being antiquated), and there are more avenues to ever to reaching listeners. Technology, our course, is at the forefront of the these changes and, as it has done with everyone from pre-teens to doting grandparents, has made us more social.

Record labels are dead or dying, promotors stopped raking in serious coin years ago, and music stores, one of the final standing in the concrete deserts that were suburban shopping malls are on their final legs, so traditional avenues of exposure for new musicians are effectively gone. This is great for musicians looking to make a modest living without needing to rely on the corporate machines to pump their music out in exchange for 80% of the profits, but means musicians need to become evermore savvy on self promotion and participate in the dissemination of their music. This move to social media has certainly changed the way things are done, beyond removing middle-men from the artist/listener infrastructure; it has changed how accessible a musician is to the average fan to how big a window listeners have into the conception and creation of their favorite music.

In the early 00’s most bands learned the value of a MySpace page as both a place to connect with their fans and a place to control and push their catalog. The coming of FaceBook quickly supplanted MySpace from its dominant throne in the burgeoning new world of “social” media, creating a more fluid and conversational interface that connected people easily and whose algorithms created an addictive stream of personalized content to each user. The file-sharing, unilaterally digested format of MySpace, which was more conducive to playlists and as a homepage to traditional bands, was a superior early option for musicians but as the casual listeners (and world at large) disconnected from MySpace and took up permanent residence in Facebook it soon became more frequented by spam bots than people seeking new music. With no audience participating, most bands moved on, following the masses to Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Today, platforms like BandCamp and LastFM provide vibrant, if flawed, digital spaces for bands to share their music and connect with their fans. None have the audience nor the dedication of mainstream social media giants, but neither have the top-trafficked social media sites evolved a dedicated platform for consuming professional media. In fact, their democratization of “content” means that a new song from a top-ten band will still have to battle with the polarity of a low-res iPhone-shot video of a rat showering to stay at the top of the stream, with little archiving or browesability to make it accessible beyond its initial moment in the sun.

So now bands are managing several platforms; the BandCamp store for album sales and official band information, their Facebook page to keep casual fans informed of day-to-day antics, upcoming bands, and hopefully have something viral enough that it gets shared beyond your core fans, an Instagram page to reach fans who are more visual or just too cool for Facebook where you share picks from your latest photoshoot, gear and gig shots, and explore your visual aesthetic with likeminded people.

Just like you didn’t find the newest Skinny Puppy CD in Target in the 90’s (your likely-now-closed local CD store was your best bet for that), you probably aren’t going to find your favorite deep-genre artist trolling the front page of your Facebook page, so it’s understandable that there likely won’t be an “all things for every person platform” (well, the internet). - HC -

__________________________________

Chris Loeffler is a multi-instrumentalist and the Content Strategist of Harmony Central. In addition to his ten years experience as an online guitar merchandiser, marketing strategist, and community director he has worked as an international exporter, website consultant and brand manager. When he’s not working he can be found playing music, geeking out on guitar pedals and amps, and brewing tasty beer.

Dear Musician - Enjoy the Summer Breeze

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:31:00 +0000

The year was 1972 when Seals and Crofts released their genius hit Summer Breeze. If there is one song that embodies summer, this song certainly ranks high on the list, if not at the top. The words can take you to a front porch with some acoustic guitar love happening and fireflies all around. Take a moment and enjoy these lyrics:

See the curtains hangin' in the window, in the evenin' on a Friday night

A little light a-shinin' through the window, lets me know everything is alright

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind

See the paper layin' in the sidewalk, a little music from the house next door

So I walked on up to the doorstep, through the screen and across the floor

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind

Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom

July is dressed up and playing her tune

And I come home from a hard day's work

And you're waiting there, not a care in the world

See the smile a-waitin' in the kitchen, food cookin' and the plates for two

Feel the arms that reach out to hold me, in the evening when the day is through

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind

Songwriters: Darrell Crofts / Jimmy Seals

This past week I was on a working vacation of sorts (as publishing deadlines loom, no matter if you are on vacation or not). While camping, I heard the familiar sound of this song in the cool mountain air. I started walking toward it and discovered a guy sitting outside his popup camper playing Summer Breeze on a well-worn acoustic guitar and singing to his heart's content. He was escaping his worries by singing this song.

Hearing this song drove home the point about how important music and 'the song' can be in life. Reading through the lyrics above, I feel certain your mind took you to the all too familar melody. You probably remembered the first time you heard it, or it transported you to a favorite summer place. Maybe you have someone who's waiting there without a care in the world...

As you work through the dog days of summer, take time for making music. Let music be the arms that reach out and hold you. It'll make you feel fine!

Image credit: The image above was taken back in 1973 by Paul Bausch during a Seals and Crofts concert. Paul is a writer for On The Records, an online publication about Classic Rock records, and more.

Enjoy the video:

_________________________________________________________________

HC's Rock Rewind - June 18 - July 1

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

HC's Rock Rewind

A look back at the past two weeks in Rock History

by Anne Erickson

Week of June 18th - 24th

This week in rock music has been marked by an abundance of memorable events. A breakthrough in recording technology was introduced, David Bowie recorded his first big hit, and a beloved Beatle performed his 3,000 live show. Read on for a look back at other significant moments that shaped rock and roll during this historically eventful week.

Events

1948 – The Columbia record label announces a technological breakthrough – specifically, a vinyl “long playing” record that can hold up to 23 minutes of music on each side.

1962 – Nat King Cole records “Ramblin’ Rose.”

1963 – The Sufaris release their classic, “Wipe Out.”

1966 – The Beatles kick off their final world tour, starting in Munich, Germany.

1967 – The Beatles record “All You Need is Love.”

1968 – The Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart as lead singer, stage their first show in America, performing at the Fillmore East in New York City.

1969 – David Bowie records “Space Oddity.” Bowie was inspired to write the song after seeing the 1968 classic film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

1971 – Carole King’s Tapestry album reaches the Number One spot the U.S. album chart, and remains there for the next 15 weeks.

1972 – Smokey Robinson appears onstage with The Miracles for the last time.

1975 – Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore quits Deep Purple in order to form his new band, Rainbow.

1979 – Supertramp’s Breakfast in America album tops the U.S. charts.

1980 – Donna Summer becomes the first artist to be signed to Geffen Records.

1981 – Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen and Walter Becker announce they are splitting up to pursue solo projects.

1987 – Motley Crue kick off their “Girls, Girls, Girls” tour with Whitesnake as opening act. Later in the tour, an up-and-coming band called Guns N’ Roses replace Whitesnake in that slot.

1990 – Little Richards gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2004 – Paul McCartney performs his 3,000th live show, staging the concert in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Releases

1965 – The Byrds: Mr. Tambourine Man

1967 – Small Faces: Small Faces

1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers: Bare Wires

1969 – The Jeff Beck Group: Beck-Ola

1969 – Johnny Winter: Johnny Winter

1969 – Alice Cooper: Pretties for You

1969 – Procol Harum: A Salty Dog

1971 – Joni Mitchell: Blue

1971 – Todd Rundgren: Runt: The Ballad of Todd Rundgren

1972 – Jethro Tull: Living in the Past

1973 – Chicago: Chicago VI

1974 – The Beach Boys: Endless Summer

1975 – Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Tonight’s the Night

1975 – Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention: One Size Fits All

1976 – Alice Cooper: Alice Cooper Goes to Hell

1978 – Foreigner: Double Vision

1980 – The Rolling Stones: Emotional Rescue

1980 – Bob Dylan: Saved

1981 – The Replacements: Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash

1982 – ABC: The Lexicon of Love

1984 – Glenn Frey: The Allnighter

1984 – Prince & The Revolution: Purple Rain

1985 – Motley Crue: Theatre of Pain

1988 – Jimmy Page: Outrider

1988 – Saxon: Destiny

1988 – Iggy Pop: Instinct

1989 – Mr. Big: Mr. Big

1991 – Bonnie Raitt: Luck of the Draw

1993 – Liz Phair: Exile in Guyville

1995 – Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1

2001 – The Cult: Beyond Good and Evil

2004 – Motorhead: Inferno

2010 – Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live from Freedom Hall

2011 – Bon Iver: Bon Iver

2012 – Fiona Apple: The Idler Wheel

Deaths

Judy Garland – June 22, 1969

Fred Astaire – June 22, 1987

Boudleaux Bryant – June 25, 1987

Jesse Ed Davis – June 22, 1988

Hillel Slovak (Red Hot Chili Peppers) – June 25, 1988

John Lee Hooker – June 21, 2001

Duane Roland (Molly Hatchet) – June 19, 2006

Claydes Charles Smith (Kool & The Gang) – June 20, 2006

Sky Saxon (The Seeds) – June 25, 2009

Slim Whitman – June 19, 2013

Bobby “Blue” Bland – June 23, 2013

Alan Myers (Devo) – June 24, 2013

Gerry Goffin – June 19, 2014

Ralph Stanley – June 23, 2016

Births

Danny Cedrone (Bill Haley & His Comets) – June 20, 1920

Chet Atkins – June 20, 1924

June Carter Cash – June 23, 1929

Mickie Most – June 20, 1936

Kris Kristofferson – June 22, 1936

Eddie Floyd – June 25, 1937

Stu Sutcliffe – June 23, 1940

Robert Hunter – June 23, 1941

Elaine “Spanky” McFarlane – June 19, 1942

Brian Wilson – June 20, 1942

Ray Davies – June 21, 1944

Peter Asher – June 22, 1944

Jeff Beck – June 24, 1944

Arthur Brown – June 24, 1944

Colin Blunstone – June 24, 1945

Carly Simon – June 25, 1945

Allen Lanier (Blue Oyster Cult) – June 25, 1946

Ian McDonald – June 25, 1946

Joey Molland (Badfinger) – June 21, 1947

Howard Kaylan (The Turtles) – June 22, 1947

Mick Fleetwood – June 24, 1947

Nick Drake – June 19, 1948

Todd Rundgren – June 22, 1948

Patrick Moraz (Yes, The Moody Blues) – June 24, 1948

Lionel Richie – June 20, 1949

Ann Wilson (Heart) – June 19, 1950

Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) – June 21, 1950

Nils Lofgren – Jun 21, 1951

Tim Finn (Crowded House) – June 25, 1952

Cyndi Lauper – June 22, 1953

Michael Anthony (Van Halen) – June 20, 1954

David Paich (Toto) – June 25, 1954

Gary Beers (INXS) – June 22, 1957

Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies) – June 22, 1959

John Taylor (Duran Duran) – June 20, 1960

Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth) – June 23, 1962

George Michael – June 25, 1963

Brandon Flowers (The Killers) – June 21, 1981

Week of June 25th - July 1st

This week, John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote an early Beatles classic, Deep Purple’s most famous lineup disbanded, and Pink Floyd staged a one-off reunion for a major charity event. A trove of classic albums was released as well, including landmark records by Free, the Doobie Brothers, and Bad Company. Read on for a look back at other noteworthy moments that shaped rock and roll.

Events

1956 – Elvis Presley records “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” in New York City.

1962 – Jimi Hendrix receives an honorable discharge from the Army after he fractures his ankle in a parachute jump.

1963 – John Lennon and Paul McCartney write “She Loves You” in a hotel room while on tour in England.

1965 – The Byrds’ cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” tops the Billboard singles chart.

1970 – The band formerly known as Smile performs under the moniker Queen for the first time.

1971 – New York City’s famous Fillmore East venue stages its last show. The bill includes the Allman Brothers Band, the J. Geils Band, Albert King, and Mountain, among others.

1973 – Brian Eno exits Roxy Music.

1974 – Neal Peart becomes the drummer for Rush, replacing John Rutsey.

1975 – David Bowie releases “Fame.” The single goes on to become Bowie’s first #1 hit in the U.S.

1976 – John Lennon gets his “green card” from the U.S. Department of Naturalization.

1973 – Deep Purple’s most famous lineup disbands, as lead singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover abruptly leave the group following a show in Osaka, Japan.

1977 – Elvis Presley stages his last concert, performing in Indianapolis, Indiana.

1980 – Paul McCartney’s single “Coming Up” tops the U.S. singles chart.

1985 – David Bowie and Mick Jagger record “Dancing in the Street” at Abbey Road Studios. They also shoot the video for the song on that same day.

1996 – Sammy Hagar is replaced by David Lee Roth as Van Halen’s lead vocalist. Eleven years earlier, Hagar had replaced Roth in that same role.

2004 – The Kinks’ Dave Davies suffers a massive stroke. During a lengthy recovery he re-learns how to play guitar.

2005 – Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Rick Wright reunite to perform at the Live 8 concert in London.

Releases

1966 – The Mothers of Invention: Freak Out!

1967 – The Rolling Stones: Flowers

1968 – Pink Floyd: A Saucerful of Secrets

1968 – Steve Miller Band: Children of the Future

1968 – Fairport Convention: Fairport Convention

1968 – The Band: Music from Big Pink

1970 – Free: Fire and Water

1970 – The Monkees: Changes

1970 – Rare Earth: Ecology

1970 – Rod Stewart: Gasoline Alley

1970 – Todd Rundgren: Runt

1970 – Cactus: Cactus

1971 – The Flying Burrito Brothers: The Flying Burrito Brothers

1972 – Leon Russell: Carney

1972 – Free: Free At Last

1972 – Big Star: #1 Record

1972 – Alice Cooper: School’s Out

1972 – The Doobie Brothers: Toulouse Street

1973 – Sly & the Family Stone: Fresh

1974 – Bad Company: Bad Company

1974 – Elton John: Caribou

1974 – America: Holiday

1974 – Uriah Heep: Wonderworld

1975 – Bob Dylan & The Band: The Basement Tapes

1975 – Average White Band: Cut the Cake

1975 – The Tubes: The Tubes

1976 – Uriah Heep: High and Mighty

1976 – The Marshall Tucker Band: Long Hard Ride

1976 – Jefferson Starship: Spitfire

1977 – Kiss: Love Gun

1977 – James Taylor: JT

1977 – Steve Winwood: Steve Winwood

1979 – Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Rust Never Sleeps

1980 – The Soft Boys: Underwater Moonlight

1980 – Queen: The Game

1982 – Robert Plant: Pictures at Eleven

1982 – Joe Jackson: Night and Day

1982 – Elvis Costello & the Attractions: Imperial Bedroom

1985 – AC/DC: Fly on the Wall

1989 – The B-52’s: Cosmic Thing

1989 – Don Henley: The End of Innocence

1990 – Sonic Youth: Goo

1990 – Cheap Trick: Busted

1990 – Steve Earle: The Hard Way

1991 – Alice Cooper: Hey Stoopid

1991 – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Into the Great Wide Open

1992 – PJ Harvey: Dry

1993 – Ozzy Osbourne: Live & Loud

1993 – Jeff Beck: Crazy Legs

1995 – Gov’t Mule: Gov’t Mule

1995 – Neil Young: Mirror Ball

1998 – Cowboy Junkies: Miles from Our Home

1998 – System of a Down: System of a Down

2002 – Oasis: Heathen Chemistry

2002 – Green Day: Shenanigans

2004 – The Cure: The Cure

2004 – Rush: Feedback

2005 – Fountains of Wayne: Out-of-State Plates

Deaths

Tim Buckley – June 29, 1975

Lowell George – June 29, 1979

Rushton Moreve (Steppenwolf) – July 1, 1981

Wolfman Jack – July 1, 1995

Dennis Brown – July 1, 1999

Chet Atkins – June 30, 2001

John Entwistle – June 27, 2002

Herbie Mann – July 1, 2003

Luther Vandross – July 1, 2005

George McCorkle (The Marshall Tucker Band) – June 29, 2007

Mel Galley (Whitesnake) – July 1, 2008

Bobby Womack – June 27, 2014

Scotty Moore – June 28, 2016

Births

Willie Dixon – July 1, 1915

Lena Horne – June 30, 1917

Doc Pomus – June 27, 1925

Billy Davis (The 5th Dimension) – June 26, 1938

Delaney Bramlett – July 1, 1939

Bruce Johnston (The Beach Boys) – June 27, 1942

Bobby Harrison (Procol Harum) – June 28, 1943

Glenn Shorrock (Little River Band) – June 30, 1944

Deborah Harry – July 1, 1945

Ian Paice (Deep Purple) – June 29, 1948

Andy Scott (The Sweet) – June 30, 1949

Stanley Clarke – June 30, 1951

Fred Schneider (The B-52’s) – July 1, 1951

Colin Hay (Men at Work) – June 29, 1953

Mick Jones (The Clash) – June 26, 1955

Chris Isaak – June 26, 1956

Lisa Germano – June 27, 1958

Lorrie Morgan – June 27, 1959

Terri Nunn (Berlin) – June 26, 1961

Yngwie Malmsteen – June 30, 1963

Bobby Bare Jr. – June 28, 1966

Colin Greenwood (Radiohead) – June 26, 1969

Gretchen Wilson – June 26, 1973

Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer) – June 27, 1976

Nathan Followill (Kings of Leon) – June 26, 1979

-HC-

________________________________________________________________-

Summer NAMM 2018

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Why Summer NAMM? Because you can never hear too many Strats going through overdrives and playing different songs at the same time! Yes, there's nothing quite like the thrill of random combinations of guitar, drums, effects boxes, ukuleles, basses, and various unidentifiable instruments making a joyful noise unto the loud.

When people tell you it was a hot show, well, it was. No one is certain how or why it happens, but the week of Summer NAMM in Nashville also coincides historically with the hottest week of the year up to that point. This past week was no exception. Heat indexes were in the 102 degree range, with actual temperatures in the mid 90s - and humidity that made it impossible for anyone to say "hey, no sweat!" Occasional drenching thundershowers added a wet accent on top of the wetness of the air itself. Coming one weekend after Sweetwater's superb GearFest (with, by the way, a record-setting attendance of over 15,000 people), you had a one-two punch of geargasm gone wild, enhanced with a touch of euphoric exhaustion.

But once you were inside the elegant Music City Center (which still has that "new convention center" smell), you were calmed by air conditioning, improved food options, spacious aisles, and a bunch of fun products - which made Summer NAMM seem well worth the effort. It's regaining its footing due to the tentatively strengthening economy, and you could certainly tell it was about the music industry - people were selling, and people were buying.

NAMM also presented a steady diet of tech topics in their TEC Tracks workshops, as well as lively panel discussions and interviews in the Idea Center. Our very own ex-HCer, Craig Anderton, kicked off the TEC Tracks sessions with a keynote address about the future of music technology - and that sound you heard was heads exploding as he covered blockchains' effect on intellectual property, how to re-invent music stores, machine learning, 3D printing as the new DIY, MIDI's next 30 years, virtual and augmented reality, and the music delivery systems of the future.

The TEC Tracks complemented a marked increase in pro audio-oriented booths, although as expected, Summer NAMM remains primarily a show for people who like picks & sticks. For obvious reasons, we were happy to see Gibson's strong presence and new lineup. Between that, Fender's Player series guitars, the PRS acoustics and Custom 24, and a slew of other guitars - from the revival of classic brands (like Supro, Harmony, and Heritage), to boutique guitars, to new Kala U-Basses, and of course, much (much) more - it's clear that those people who only a few months ago predicted the death of the electric guitar probably need to write some follow-up articles. They also might want to add that a lot of the new guitar sales (50% for some companies) are due to more women getting into guitar.

Analog stomp boxes continue to dominate the world of effects, and NAMM is the place for all kinds of accessories - straps, sticks, picks, pedalboards, and more. Of course, you'll still find the "corner case" instruments and controllers that surface for a year or two, then fade back into obscurity. But you'll even find some keyboards, like the latest from Casio (very impressive) and Yamaha.

Public day saw a huge upswing in attendance, and while in the immortal words of Herman Cain "I don't have facts to back this up," no one really needed facts to know what was going on - all you had to do was try to get from one end of the hall to the other to realize people were jammed in not quite like sardines, but...well, actually very much like sardines.

Overall, there wasn't any huge new trend or product category, but better versions of what's tried and true. And that's not a bad thing, because it means that the music industry continues to make its modest comeback - although after running through the halls of NAMM this past weekend, you might think "modest" is understating the case.

You can find out about the new gear from your favorite manufacturers, but meanwhile, to give you that "you are there" vibe we've put together a photo documentary thread at Harmony Central so you can see what it's like to walk down row after row (after row) of booths. So in case you weren't able to enjoy the heat of Nashville (AKA Music City USA, AKA Nashvegas), we're here to bring you the Music City meltdown.

All the Summer NAMM New Product News

The Official Summer NAMM 2018 Photo Show Report

-HC-

_________________________________________________________________

Big Dreams in a Small Town - Making Music When You Don’t Live in the City

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I was speaking with the guitar player of relatively new band recently as they passed through southern Oregon on their first multi-day tour. They were of course looking for a carpet to crash on and free beer from any appreciative audience members who milled around once the show was over. He got on the subject of their current challenges trying to get anything going in the small town of 2,800 they were from.

Not every band or musician can relocate to the sort of big city that is populated with venues and eager music supporters... some choose to stay in their small town, grabbing gigs where they can and banking enough vacation time to strap together a small tour in support of their latest album. So what does that look like?

(Obviously, life is a rich tapestry of unique and different things, and the following is the experience of a handful of bands I’ve interviewed that, while true for them, doesn’t mean there aren’t other truths to being a band in a small town)

You Play Some Pretty Weird Gigs

The smaller population of your town, the less diversity you are likely going to experience. At the very least, that diversity can only be supported by so many people and venues. If you live in a rural town and 70’s country radio is the only channel on the dial, that’s most likely the sort of music that is going to be supported at the local bar. You’re awesome Baroque covers of Depeche Mode songs? Probably not going to get booked as the headliner with similar supporting acts.

The typical community is supportive of local bands, however, so you might find yourself sandwiched between hard-core biker blues and bafflingly sincere 80s pop karaoke when you do get a gig. As you can imagine, the crowd-crossover means the audience engagement varies from enthusiastic to supportive to uncomfortable.

You Become the Headliner at... Everything

Small towns aren’t good at “the newest and latest, but they are great at tradition and keeping what works. As such, it’s not unheard to have the local band who aspires to be the next Radiohead get to bill at the Annual Turnip Harvest Celebration, the 4th of July Firework Show at the Little League Fields, and play the County Fair opening for Jason Aldean.

You Are a Local Hero

If everyone is famous in a small town, public performers are flat out rock stars. Whether you are a pump jockey in your day-gig or the principal of the high school, people tend to think of you as “the musician.” Whereas in Los Angeles everyone is writing a screenplay, and in Portland everyone is starting an ironic, Ned Flanders themed thrash metal band, being in a band in a small town often isn’t being part of a thing, it is YOUR thing. It makes you unique and interesting. People dig that, regardless of whether or not they like your music.

You Eventually Move... Or Move On

Pursuing ongoing improvement of your playing and creating music takes time and dedication. It can be the sort of invigorating energy that gets you pumped or results in artistic fulfillment, but eventually, if there isn’t enough external feedback to motivate it gets hard to keep a handful of musician-types committed to showing up to practice and songwriting sessions every week so they can play the same three venues for the same few dozen people.

Without the aforementioned infrastructure and audiences of a larger city to provide diverse performance experiences and the possibility of growing your audience of listeners, it’s hard to avoid the feeling of “been there, done that” eventually, which is why most young bands in this situation make the move. Otherwise, you’ll likely find yourself at a point where things hit an inevitable end.

In this case, all those things that draw your attention (family, house repairs, grueling work schedule) start to take over your time and space. If music already feels stalled, it’s easy to put it in autopilot and find gigging and creating music demoted to a victory lap once every couple of months with friends.

There’s nothing wrong with that end to a band, as music transitions from being a calling to a hobby, and even if you do, you’ll still be a small town hero.

__________________________________